Essay Questions

Why is Franz-Josef Murau disappointed with his parents?

Holding one’s intellectual abilities in high esteem can be one reason why they look down on others. In the case of Murau in this novel, pride and self-importance become one of the major reasons why Murau presents as an individual deeply disappointed in his parents. Murau holds his intellectual abilities in high esteem in comparison to those of his parents. In his view, his parents lack intellectual inspiration, an aspect which he resents. In this way, Murau resorts to separating himself from his family until their death.

How is the notion of superiority brought out in the Extinction?

The character of Franz-Josef Murau is an embodiment of the notion of intellectual superiority in Extinction. Murau perceives himself as quite brilliant and intelligent. In fact, the character is of the idea that he is more superior than his parents and family such that he resents them for what can be argued as their lack of creativity as well as moral bankruptcy. Murau is able to decipher and understand the meaning implied in art as well as the ability to accurately distinguish between exceptional masterpieces and those that are not, while his parents are on the other hand clueless about the same. In this way, he is superior to them in that respect.

Highlight the character of Murau as brought out in this novel.

Murau is highlighted as quite a proud individual. In particular, the character’s proud charisma presents when he visualizes himself as an embodiment of intellect, albeit one that is superior to that of his parents. On the other hand, because Murau deeply resents his parents as well as their way of life, attempting to live as differently as possible from their way of life, he can be argued as a bitter person. While in Rome, Murau tries to live like an Italian and despises his Austrian identity. He is resentful as well as self-important.