- Miró is a reference to the Spanish painter Joan Miró, who was active in the late 19th century. He was known for his works which fused abstract art and Surreal fantasy. His style changed from as his view on modern life evolved. The chapter title Miró, Miró, on the Wall, alludes to the famous line from Snow White, “Mirror, mirror on the wall”. Claire Soderberg, the main character of this chapter, references this with “Miró, Miró on the wall, who is the deadest of them all?” This is a reference to her upper-class status and her the sadness she is in over the passing of her son, Joshua.
- The primary characters that we’ve been introduced to so far are Claire, Ciaran, Corrigan, Adelita, Blaine, Fernando, Jazzlyn, Lara, Philipe, Sam Peters (The Kid) and the other programmers, Solomon, Tillie, Gloria and the other grieving mothers. I have counted about 70 connections in the book alone.Lara and her husband Blaine were predominant painters in New York. They decide to move to the outskirts of town to gather themselves and practice art styles from the 20s and 30s. Lara and Blaine are the passengers in the car that hit Corrigan’s van on the parkway, which resulted in the death of Jazzlyn and Corrigan. This relationship is interesting because she took the blame for the accident even though Blaine was driving. Ciaran forgives her for this and they soon develop a relationship.I think it’s worth noting that Lara and Blaine both study the same art that Joan Miro became so popular for in his time. I also think the connection between Marcia and the tightrope walker was interesting too. She was sure that the man on the wire was her son coming to say hello. Claire only asked the question as to why a man would risk his life such a task as walking a tightrope above 110 stories.
