Parallels between Creation and Hunting

This is the book's central narrative and thematic premise - that the act of creation is in many ways similar to the act of a hunt. It is stated directly in the quote taken from page twelve, with less obviously defined reiterations of the theme found in the quotes taken from pages 72, 116 and 284. Pop's advice to the author at the end of chapter ten (to wait, to take it easy) can also be seen as a reference to this thematic idea. The ultimate evocation of this premise, however, can be found in the action of the narrative. Specifically, by setting up the parallel on page twelve and then narrating the action of the hunt in the way he does, the author is essentially suggesting that in pursuit of creation, of art, the writer/artist/hunter must be patient, skilled, versatile, and prepared to take...