Reading The Beethoven Sequence

1. Political Thriller

2. Asking Questions

3. Making Connections

Moderating an Event

1. Speaking about social issues

   • The issue of bullying seems to resurface as an explanation for the irrational, violent, unethical- behavioral responses that manifest in both Layton Stolz and Duane Sheely. Are you speaking to this issue as the source of violent illegal behaviors or are you simply establishing a source of empathy for the reader? Was attaching this issue with criminal behavior a way of criminalizing the brutalities of bullying? How has bullying played a bigger role in character development here?

   • The memories of Stoltz home life suggest domestic violence and bullying in the home, the same way the story about Samantha McCollums family experience (with the LDS church) suggests bullying in organized religion. Even though these issues are echoed in the BSA and national government, how do we effect reform for this prominent issue nationally?

2. Guilding the Conversation

1. • What was the inspiration surrounding Santo’s character?

   • Is there a reason you chose Ireland? Is it a possible contrast between the strict nature of classical Layton and the more open nature of fold music?

   • Stolz makes the connection between himself and the teacher in “the music man” during the first rehearsal, though he says they differ as he’s not a “con man.” Is this possibly foreshadowing the man he becomes?

   • We know that early on in Stolz life had murderous intentions, would you say there is a specific moment in his journey where he goes from a passionate musician into a ruthless dictator?

   • Is the instruments characters play somewhat representative of their nature? (Layton with conducting/Clarinet, Whitmore on the viola?)