Student Question
Where is the setting of the excerpt in The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, and what is its significance?
Quick answer:
The setting of the excerpt is The Culloden Diner in the fictional town of Pequot, New York, likely on Long Island. This location, known as "the wreck," serves as the backdrop for a conversation between Samuel and Felix Landauer following Samuel's public outing as a gay man. The significance lies in Samuel's reflection on his life and his decision to possibly move to California, symbolizing a fresh start and acceptance of his identity.
"Breakfast in the Wreck" is set in The Culloden Diner in Pequot, New York. Pequot is fictional but is likely a small town on Long Island.
The diner is two stops past Bloomtown on the Long Island Expressway. A trolley and a house are combined together to create the space. People call it "the collision" or "the wreck".
The scene in the excerpt is set the day after the trial when Samuel has been publicly outed as a gay man. Samuel and his son's teacher, Felix Landauer, are having a talk about the trial. Felix tells him that the teachers were all listening to the trial in the staff room. He recognizes that Samuel is actually happy about the situation. Samuel admits it, though he says he doesn't know why and that he should feel ashamed.
The scene shows how Samuel is coping with being outed publicly. It also shows that he had to think about what to do with his life now that the truth was exposed. He's decided that he might want to move to California to live the kind of life that makes him happy.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.