Essay Questions

How does Perry use astronomy and celestial imagery to reflect the emotional and existential struggles of the characters?

At the outset, Thomas’ apparent disinterest in the cosmos reflects his emotional detachment. Despite being a man of intellect and observation, Thomas is unable to engage with the grand mysteries of the universe. As the novel progresses, his journey mirrors the movement of celestial bodies suggesting his life follows its invisible orbit. His eventual fascination with the comet Hale-Bopp symbolizes the pull of the unknown. The gravitational forces draw him towards introspection, self-realization, and confrontation with his unresolved emotions. Thomas’ emotional journey is one of inevitable revelation, no matter how hard he tries to avoid it. Perry uses the laws of planetary motion to illustrate the tension between emotional chaos and the desire for order. Kepler’s laws become representations of the human desire to impose structure on chaotic emotions. The elliptical orbits of planets in particular reflect the non-linear nature of Thomas’ emotional life. In that, he circles his feelings for James without ever confronting them head-on.

How do Kepler’s laws of planetary motion act as allegories to explore human relationships and emotions?

The three parts of the novel—"The Law of Ellipses," "The Law of Equal Areas in Equal Time," and "The Law of Harmonies"—are directly tied to the motion of celestial bodies. These laws parallel the unpredictable nature of relationships and emotional journeys in the story. Perry draws on Kepler’s first law, which states that planetary orbits are elliptical rather than perfectly circular. This idea is reflected in the elliptical nature of Thomas Hart’s relationship with James Bower. In that, Thomas’ unrequited love for James is never fully realized. Additionally, Thomas’ relationship with Grace Macaulay also demonstrates this elliptical dynamic.

Perry uses Kepler’s second law to explore how emotions intensify or fade depending on proximity to life-altering events or people. As Thomas grows older and more distant from these critical moments of connection, his life begins to become more reflective. The third law acts as a metaphor for balance and acceptance in human relationships. By this point in the novel, Thomas reaches a kind of emotional resolution. He has reconciled with the distance in his relationships and accepts that forces beyond his control govern the universe.

How does the novel reconcile the tension between faith and science through the characters?

Throughout the novel, Perry explores the dichotomy between these two domains of knowledge. It constantly navigates the space between spiritual belief and scientific reasoning. Raised as a Baptist, Thomas has a background steeped in religious tradition, but he is also a man of reason. His profession as a journalist and his fascination with the stars reflect his inclination toward empirical thinking. However, he contemplates the mysteries of existence, the vastness of the cosmos, and the presence of God. While Thomas is the primary figure through which the tension between faith and science is explored, Grace Macaulay also plays a key role in this dynamic. As a young woman raised in a deeply religious environment, Grace struggles with her doubts about faith, morality, and the strictures of religious life. Her relationship with Thomas becomes a focal point for her questioning of religious authority and the role of science in understanding the world.