Why Listening?

Why does Roth tell Ira's story via Murry, through spoken word? Why is listening so important for Nathan? What makes the actual opening of the ears so alluring?

I think that a lot of it comes from the actual thinking that occurs when one actually listens. Its a basic difference between Ira and Nathan. Ira speaks, he is constantly giving speeches and talking of the progressive party but he never sits down to listen to the other side, whereas Nathan only listens. By listening Nathan gets more of the big picture, he gets the two sides. There comes a kind of greater comprehension, understanding when he listens because he doesn't have to think about anything else but what is being said. He gets lost in the words, lost in thought, and can maybe come to some sort of understanding. I would like to know what other people think about Nathan's mentors and what you think he has learned from their speeches as well as why people think Roth constructed the book the way he did. Thoughts?

Comments

[Brett N]

I think getting both the sides by listening is very important for understanding people and points of view, especially for Nathan. By having a mentor that is always speaking, I think Nathan learns to listen, which helps him preogress much more as a person. That is one thing that I think Ira left Nathan with that he did not intend to teach him.

[Haley J]

I don't think that listening itself is radically important to Nathan, but rather an attribute that defines and affects his early years. Throughout his childhood, most of the adults with whom he is close talk profusely, and attempt to persuade him as to the correctness of their beliefs. Many of these adults also have very conflicting opinions regarding controversial topics. Nathan therefore grows up receptive to varying beliefs, as well as capable of hearing others without immediately criticizing. In short, because of experience, he becomes a very good listener.