The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing: Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party Suffering

Why are there all those scratched-out pages in the middle of the novel? How does Octavian's expression of his suffering change throughout the book? How do Private Goring's pains compare to Octavian's pains? How is physical suffering different or similar to mental anguish?

Questions About Suffering

1. Why are there all those scratched-out pages in the middle of the novel?
2. How does Octavian's expression of his suffering change throughout the book?
3. How do Private Goring's pains compare to Octavian's pains?
4. How is physical suffering different or similar to mental anguish?

Chew on This

Slavery produces more suffering than the War because slaves have no ability to choose whether or not they suffer.

Suffering is necessary in order to produce a good story.