In the new speculative novel 'Weepers,' mourning is outsourced to professionals
In this NPR's Book of the Day episode, author Peter Mendelsund discusses his speculative novel about professional mourners called "weepers," who are hired to express grief at funerals. The story follows Ed, a narrator who discovers a messianic figure known as "Kid" among these unionized mourners. Through Ed's perspective, the novel examines how these professionals help emotionally disconnected communities process loss and grief.
Mendelsund shares how his experiences as a caregiver for his dying mother and his own struggles with depression influenced the novel's themes. The discussion explores existential questions about mortality, the supernatural, and the afterlife, while examining the role of profound emotion in human connection. The novel's ambiguous ending leaves readers to contemplate the nature of miracles and death.
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1-Page Summary
The Role of "Weepers" in Society
The novel explores the unique profession of "weepers," members of Local 302, a union of professional mourners hired to express grief at funerals and other mourning events. Peter Mendelsund suggests these individuals possess a divine gift for expressing profound emotions, serving to unlock feelings within communities that have become emotionally disconnected. Through their work, weepers encourage community connection and provide cathartic moments for others during times of loss.
The Messianic "Kid" Figure
The narrative centers on a character called "Kid," whose arrival among the weepers is viewed as messianic by the narrator, Ed. The Kid possesses what Ed describes as a "preternatural ability" to evoke profound emotion. Ed sees himself as a John the Baptist figure, recognizing and advocating for the Kid's significance. According to Mendelson, the Kid serves as a transformative figure capable of spiritually and emotionally awakening the town.
Exploring Grief, Death, and the Afterlife
Through the character of Ed, who is approaching death, the novel delves into existential questions about mortality and the supernatural. Ed's experiences with the Kid and various miracles lead him to reassess his understanding of reality. The narrative's treatment of these themes reflects Peter Mendelsund's personal experiences, particularly his time as a caregiver for his dying mother. The novel concludes ambiguously, leaving readers to grapple with questions about the afterlife and the nature of the miraculous.
The Author's Creative Journey Through Depression
Peter Mendelsund reveals how his struggles with depression have influenced his creative work as a designer, pianist, and novelist. Despite his mental health challenges, Mendelsund describes creativity as an automatic process, similar to breathing. His emotional sensitivity, which he views as both a talent and a liability, shapes the novel's exploration of the weepers and the Kid's supernatural significance. The author's personal experiences with "downward trending" humanity and his journey through depression provide crucial context for understanding the novel's engagement with themes of emotional depth and resilience.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- The concept of "weepers" as a divine gift could be challenged by the view that expressing emotions is a human trait that can be developed and is not necessarily divine.
- The idea that weepers encourage community connection might be countered by the argument that genuine emotional expression cannot be outsourced and that the practice could potentially undermine personal, authentic grieving processes.
- The portrayal of the Kid as a messianic figure could be seen as an overused trope in literature, and some might argue that it simplifies the complexity of human emotion and grief.
- The Kid's ability to evoke profound emotion might be criticized as an unrealistic depiction of emotional influence, suggesting that such abilities are exaggerated for dramatic effect.
- The transformative power attributed to the Kid could be viewed skeptically, with the argument that real change within individuals or communities usually requires more than a single catalytic figure.
- The exploration of existential themes might be seen as lacking originality or depth compared to other works that tackle similar subjects.
- The ambiguous conclusion of the novel could be frustrating to readers who prefer more definitive answers or resolutions to the themes presented.
- The reflection of Mendelsund's personal experiences in the novel might be critiqued as being too subjective or potentially limiting the universality of the story's themes.
- The automatic nature of creativity as described by Mendelsund could be contested by those who view creative work as requiring deliberate effort and discipline.
- The novel's engagement with themes of emotional depth and resilience might be seen as overly reliant on the author's personal journey, potentially alienating readers who cannot relate to Mendelsund's specific experiences.
Actionables
- Explore your emotional depth by journaling after attending a funeral or memorial service. Write about the emotions you observed in others and those you experienced yourself, considering how these feelings connected you with the community and provided catharsis. This can help you understand the role of shared grief in healing and community building.
- Create a personal art project that captures your interpretation of a transformative figure in your life, similar to the Kid's role in the novel. Use any medium you're comfortable with, such as drawing, painting, or writing a short story. This activity can serve as a reflection on how certain individuals have impacted your spiritual or emotional growth.
- Engage in a quiet reflection about life's big questions, like mortality and the supernatural, after reading a thought-provoking book or watching a movie that tackles these themes. Take a walk or find a peaceful spot to sit and ponder your feelings and thoughts, allowing yourself to form your own interpretations and beliefs without seeking definitive answers. This can mirror the novel's ambiguous conclusion and encourage personal exploration of existential concepts.
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The Concept of "Weepers" and Their Societal Role
In a fictional realm, the profession of "weepers" is explored, with individuals hired specifically to express grief at funerals and other mourning events.
"Weepers" Are Union Mourners For Funerals, Wakes, and Burials
Ed's role as a weeper marks him as a member of Local 302, a union of mourners whose job is to express sorrow during funerals, wakes, and burials. This unique role reflects an occupation in the novel with historical precedents in various cultures, where grief was sometimes articulated by hired professionals.
"Weepers" Express Emotions Others Can't or Won't Feel
The role of "weepers" extends into expressing emotions that others are either unable or unwilling to manifest. They stand in for the bereaved, taking on the burden of public sorrow to fulfill societal expectations around mourning.
"Weepers" Have a Divine Gift For Expressing Deep Emotions
"Weepers" Unlock Emotions of a Numb Community
Peter Mendelsund suggests that "weepers" might possess a kind of divine gift allowing them to express profound emotions. This gift can serve to unlock feelings within a community that has become numb, perhaps disco ...
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The Concept of "Weepers" and Their Societal Role
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The concept of "weepers" being unionized could be seen as a commercialization of grief, which might detract from the authenticity of mourning.
- The idea that "weepers" express emotions others cannot may undermine personal expressions of grief, suggesting that some people's natural responses to death are inadequate.
- Asserting that "weepers" have a divine gift could be challenged as romanticizing or mystifying a role that may simply require empathy and performance skills.
- The notion that "weepers" unlock emotions in a numb community could be criticized for implying that communities are inca ...
Actionables
- You can explore the role of emotional expression by journaling your feelings during significant community events. Write down your emotions and reactions to events like local festivals, elections, or public announcements. This practice can help you understand the collective emotional landscape and your place within it, potentially revealing insights into how shared emotions can foster community bonds.
- Start a small book club or discussion group focused on novels and films that evoke strong emotions. By sharing and discussing your emotional responses with others, you can practice articulating feelings and learn how different people experience and express emotions, which can enhance empathy and emotional connection within your community.
- Volunteer to speak at comm ...
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Messianic Figure "Kid" and His Supernatural Abilities
The novel’s narrative is centered around a character referred to as "Kid," whose appearance and abilities are held in a messianic regard, particularly by the narrator, Ed.
Arrival of "Kid" Joining "Weepers" Viewed As Messianic by Narrator Ed
Upon the Kid’s arrival among the Weepers, the narrator Ed perceives his "preternatural ability" to evoke profound emotion as miraculous and transformative. The Kid’s supernatural abilities stand out against the community’s prevailing sense of numbness and disconnection, highlighting the contrast and emphasizing his unique role within the town.
Kid As Messianic Figure Awakening Town Spiritually and Emotionally
Ed sees himself in a role akin to "John the Baptist," as an early "apostle" who recognizes and advocates for the significance of the Kid. This comparison, mentioned by Scott Simon and referred to by Mendelson alongside the Book of Lamentations, frames the Kid as a messianic figure capable of awakening the ...
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Messianic Figure "Kid" and His Supernatural Abilities
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Counterarguments
- The perception of Kid as a messianic figure could be subjective and reflect more about Ed's personal beliefs or desires for a savior than Kid's actual nature or intentions.
- The novel's portrayal of Kid's supernatural abilities might be metaphorical, and interpreting them as literal could misrepresent the author's intent.
- The comparison to John the Baptist and the use of religious symbolism could alienate readers who do not share the same religious background or who prefer secular interpretations of literature.
- The idea that one individual can single-handedly awaken or revitalize a community may oversimplify complex social and psychological issues within the town.
- Labeling the novel as Messianic could be seen as hyperbolic, potentially setting unrealistic expectations for readers or mischaracterizing the scope and theme of the book.
- The focus on Kid as ...
Actionables
- Explore your own potential for positive influence by volunteering in community programs that aim to uplift and inspire others. By engaging with people who may feel disconnected or numb to their surroundings, you can discover your unique ability to evoke emotions and foster change, much like Kid's role in the novel. For example, you could volunteer at a local shelter, mentor youth, or participate in community art projects, focusing on creating meaningful connections and revitalizing spirits.
- Reflect on the transformative figures in your life by journaling about individuals who have had a profound impact on you, akin to Kid's effect on the Weepers. Write about the emotions they evoked, the changes they inspired, and how they might have served as a 'messianic' presence in your own journey. This exercise can help you appreciate the power of influence and the potential you have to be that figure for someone else.
- Cultivate an environment of emotional awakening by starting a book club or dis ...
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The Novel's Exploration of Grief, Death, and Afterlife
In his contemplative work, the narrator named Ed, who is nearing the end of his life, embarks on a profound exploration of existence, the supernatural, and the possibility of an afterlife, mirroring author Peter Mendelsund's own experiences with loss and the human condition.
Ed, Nearing Life's End, Contemplates the Afterlife and Existence
As Ed approaches death, existential questions intensify and begin preoccupying his thoughts. The novel unfolds to illustrate Ed's confrontation with these profound mysteries.
Ed Reconsiders Reality and the Supernatural After Experiences With the "Kid" and Miracles
Throughout the novel, Ed is seen to reassess everything he knows about reality and the supernatural. This reassessment comes as a result of his interactions with the "kid," who is linked to miraculous occurrences that challenge Ed's understanding of the world. This leads Ed down a path of reconsideration and opens up his worldview to include the possibility of the miraculous.
Exploring Mortality and Existential Questions Beyond Death
Ed, standing at the twilight of his existence, finds himself increasingly fixated on the concept of an afterlife. Death, being an unavoidable aspect towards the book's conclusion, propels him and the readers to grapple with questions about what lies beyond life and the meaning of the experiences that come with it.
Novel's Exploration of Grief, Death, Afterlife Mirrors Author's Loss and Human Condition Experiences
Through the novel's narrative, the reader experiences an intimate reflection of the author's personal journey through the themes of grief and the afterlife, deeply rooted in his caregiving experience and subsequent bereavement.
The Author's Caregiving For a Dying Parent and Struggles With Depression Inform the Novel's Existenti ...
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The Novel's Exploration of Grief, Death, and Afterlife
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Clarifications
- Peter Mendelsund, the author of the novel, drew inspiration from his real-life experience as a caregiver for his mother until her passing in November. This caregiving role deeply influenced his exploration of grief and the afterlife in the novel, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the narrative. Mendelsund's personal struggles with depression during this period also shaped the existential themes present in the story, reflecting his intimate journey through loss and the human condition. These personal experiences provide a rich backdrop for the novel's exploration of existential questions surrounding death, grief, and the supernatural.
- Ed's contemplation of existential questions and the afterlife in the novel involves a deep dive into the meaning of life, the existence of supernatural phenomena, and the potential for an afterlife. His interactions with the "kid" and encounters with miraculous events challenge his perceptions of reality, prompting a reevaluation of his b ...
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The Author's Personal Experiences With Depression and Creativity
Peter Mendelsund shares intimate details about his personal struggles with depression and how it paradoxically fuels his creativity as a designer, pianist, and novelist.
Author Peter Mendelsund on Depression and Its Creative Influence
Despite battlings depression, Peter Mendelsund continues to produce creative work, suggesting a deep-seated need to express himself artistically.
Despite Depression, Mendelsund Stays Productive as Designer, Pianist, Novelist
Mendelsund illustrates his uninterrupted creativity by describing his unbidden urge to create as an automatic process, akin to breathing. He reveals that even in the depths of depression, he is driven to remain productive.
Mendelsund's Creativity and Productivity Stem From His Sensitive, Emotional Nature, Seen As Both "Talent" and "Liability."
Mendelsund implies that his gifted ability to express profound emotions underpins his creative endeavors. He recounts a time when he could make himself cry on command, a testament to his deeply sensitive nature, which he identifies as both a talent and a liability.
Mendelsund's Depression and Emotional Depth Shape the Novel's Exploration of "Weepers" and the "Kid's" Supernatural Significance
In creating his novel, Mendelsund draws from his personal narrative of resilience and emotional connection amid a downward trending humanity, which reflects in the novel’s themes and characters.
Author's Journey With "Downward Trend" of Humanity, Maintaining Emotional Connection and Resilience, Reflected In Novel's Themes and Characters
Peter Mendelsund shares about emerging from devastating rolling depressions during the writing process. ...
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The Author's Personal Experiences With Depression and Creativity
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Counterarguments
- While Mendelsund's depression may fuel his creativity, it's important to recognize that this is not a universal experience; for many, depression can severely inhibit creativity and productivity.
- The notion that productivity is maintained despite depression could inadvertently minimize the debilitating effects depression can have on others, who may feel invalidated if they are unable to remain productive.
- The idea that sensitivity and emotional depth are prerequisites for creativity could be challenged, as creativity can stem from a wide range of personality traits and experiences, not exclusively from emotional sensitivity.
- The connection between emotional depth and the supernatural elements in Mendelsund's novel might not resonate with all readers, who may find other interpretations or themes more compelling.
- The portrayal of "Weepers" and the "Kid's" supernatural significance in the novel could be seen as romanticizing or oversimplifying mental health struggles, depending on how these elements are depicted.
- The narrative of resilience and ...
Actionables
- Channel your emotions into a creative journal where you express your feelings through art, writing, or music, using your emotional depth as a source of inspiration. Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to draw, write a poem, or compose a piece of music that reflects your current mood. This practice can help you process your emotions and may lead to unexpected bursts of creativity.
- Develop a fictional character based on your personal experiences with emotional sensitivity, and write short stories to explore this character's journey. Begin with a simple character sketch, including traits that mirror your own sensitivities, and then place the character in situations where these traits are challenged or celebrated. This exercise can provide a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotions.
- Create a resilience roadmap b ...
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