The Echo Maker Essay Questions

What is the strongest bond in the novel?

Karin's bond with her brother Mark is portrayed as the most durable relationship in the book. She remains in Kearney throughout his recovery process. She continues to care for him, even as he rejects her and accuses her of being an imposter. Even as she questions her purpose, she remains undeterred in her goal of keeping watch over him. By the novel's end, they are able to reconcile, as he finally recognizes who she claims to be. The moment is a joyful one as it shows that they will never be broken apart, even if they drift at times.

How does Mark's condition manifest?

Initially, Mark suspects both Karin and his dog, Blackie, of being imposters. However, this delusional thinking quickly spirals as his condition grows worse and worse. He then begins to think that he is actually the target of some kind of conspiracy and that various people have been sent to get him. He becomes fixated on figuring out what happened the night of his accident and how he can get to the bottom of who is doing this to him. His Capgras morphs from being solely focused on imposters invading his life to a larger sense of overwhelming paranoia.

Who are the real imposters in the novel?

The actual imposters in the novel are Weber and Barbara. Weber ultimately fails in his capacity as a neurologist and researcher, as he is unable to help or even understand Mark. Instead, he becomes focused on pursuing a romantic relationship with Barbara. Barbara is also an imposter, in that she pretends to be Mark's most devoted caretaker but she is actually the reason he nearly died and suffered such traumatic brain damage. Her refusal to reveal this to him also causes further problems for both Mark and Karin. She is never really able to repay him for saving her life.

What best describes the way the narrative voice works in the novel?

The narrative voice follows three of the main characters, while briefly describing one or two other people. There are also multiple poetic interludes about cranes, showing them in various phases of their migration. The three characters it mainly tracks are Mark, Karin, and Weber. Mark's sections reflect his fragmented mental state, using broken phrases and becoming increasingly coherent as he recovers. Towards the end of the book, the voice also gives some insight into Daniel, as it follows his interactions with Mark and reveals the tenderness he feels for him.

What does Karin find frustrating in both of her romantic relationships?

Karin is unsatisfied, ultimately by both of her romantic relationships. She loves Daniel and thinks he is an extraordinarily kind and decent person. However, she finds his patient demeanor to be grating. She feels that he never says what he thinks and punishes her by withholding his anger and frustration. In contrast, she feels intense desire for Karsh but recognizes that he is a cruel and selfish person who has hurt her on so many occasions. She appreciates his directness and honesty, but knows she cannot rely on him at all.