The Eyes and the Impossible

What does freedom mean in this book? How and where does Johannes describe the feeling of being free? Is there any reference to lack of freedom? What words are used to describe this? What are some challenges to freedom in The Eyes & the Impossible? How has your understanding of freedom (or lack of freedom) changed or expanded?

Reread the very first page of this book. It begins: “This is a work of fiction,” and then cautions readers against assuming that “all living things, animals in particular, are simply corollaries to humans.” What does this mean? Do you agree or disagree? Is fiction, particularly animal fiction, only make-believe? Are there any places or characters in this novel that remind you of places or people you know?

This story is told in the first person. As readers, we experience the plot, observe the behavior of the other characters, and learn about the world they are in entirely from Johannes’s perspective. First-person narration helps readers gain insight into that character’s emotions and inner thoughts. Because of this, we learn a lot about Johannes— not just how he behaves and what happens to him but also what he thinks and feels. Why do you think Dave Eggers decided to tell this story from Johannes’s perspective?

In reviewing this book, the Wall Street Journal referred to Johannes as “appealing hero.” What makes him appealing? How is he a hero? Are there other heroes in this book?

This book features some important and serious topics, such as loyalty, the value of friendship, remaining committed to a plan, and the fear of being leashed or caged. But the author also uses a lot of humor. Find some humorous places in this book. What makes them funny? What do you think was the purpose of the humor?

In addition to humor, The Eyes & the Impossible also includes tension where worrisome events or situations occur. Where is there tension in this story? Choose a specific incident that felt tense. What was happening? How did the characters feel? How did you feel? Why do you think this scene was in the book?

In this novel, Dave Eggers uses hyperbole, a type of figurative language that embellishes, exaggerates, and stretches the truth. While not intended as a lie, hyperbole can be dramatic, attention-grabbing, or even humorous. What are some examples of the author using hyperbole in this book? Begin by thinking about places where Johannes exaggerates. Why do you think he does this, and what effect does it have?

In addition to character names, the author occasionally capitalizes other nouns, such as Bison (but not seagulls or goats or squirrels). He also capitalized nouns such as Sun, Parks People, Concerteers, and Campers. And he created proper nouns for specific roles: Eyes, Keepers of the Equilibrium. Why do you think he did this?

In chapter 35, we read about the final stage of the plan to liberate the Bison. The ship is in view, the birds swarm to distract the humans on the ship, the mass of goats provides a crazy, chaotic escort, hiding the Bison as they trudge to the top of the hill; and early morning colors reveal the glory of the ocean in the near distance. Everything is ready until Freya says, “We can’t. . . . We can’t go on that ship.” An emotional Johannes thinks his plan has failed. What do you think? Was the plan a failure? What do the Bison think?

Revisit Johannes’s words of wisdom. Select one quote that feels particularly important or inspiring. Share your selected quote either with a partner or in a small group and explain how it is important to the book as well as to your life or the world we are living in.