Infinite Summer

Something I find interesting. Ortho and Schtitt seem to be aligned in their understanding or belief that one should give oneself to a greater cause. I will go back when I have more time and post some quotes that support this. For now, I can say that I noticed after Schtitt explained his thinking to Mario it's always (and only?) Ortho that seems to stand out in agreement with him. In one section he is talking favorably to the kids he is mentoring about Schtitt. In another, I think Hal says Ortho likes Schtitt. Again, I need to go back and try to find the pages, etc.

Others seem to talk about Schtitt, but not favorably. Considering I've heard or read DFW interviews where he talks about the the importance believing in something bigger or not giving in to solipsism, I think Ortho is more of an important character than I realized on my first read.

Thoughts?

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"Because so that was let's see."

I find it interesting that Stice is first mentioned (I think) on p. 50, almost as an afterthought, as one of the few E.T.A.'ers who knows about Hal's secret pot habit. Several kids are mentioned in sequence, then:

"He'd forgot: Ortho ('the Darkness') Stice, of Partridge, KS, knows; and Hal's oldest brother, Orin, mysteriously, even long-distance, seems to know..."

Stice "is known to get high also".

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"The truth will set you free. But not until it is finished with you." DFW