The Dog Stars

How does Heller seek to lighten the narrative tone despite the devastating circumstances in which Hig and Bangley live at the Erie airport? Citing the text, identify one of these moments and describe the effect that it has on the mood of the chapter.

Why is this book called The Dog Stars? What is the broader philosophical significance of this image, and how does the omnipresence of constellations relate to Heller’s examination of The Transformative Beauty of Nature?

Heller dedicates lengthy passages to physical descriptions of the world Hig inhabits. What deeper insights do these descriptions offer about the hidden nuances of Hig’s worldview?

How does Hig and Bangley’s relationship evolve throughout the novel? Are Hig’s negative thoughts toward Bangley justified? Why or why not?

What does Hig’s love of flying represent, and what specific moments communicate this feeling most vividly?

What role do the Mennonite families play in the novel? Why does Hig hide his visits to the families from Bangley, and why does his companion disapprove of his actions?

A few times in the novel, Hig refers to Norwegian horses that live far from their home conditions. What significance does this metaphor have in connection to Hig and Bangley’s current reality?

Heller waits until the final third of the book before exploring exactly how the flu and the blood disease spread. Why does this aspect of the story remain a mystery for so long? Does Heller provide enough of an explanation to fully solve the mystery?