Tying Up Loose Ends

1. Did you think that this quote, "You conned me...Henrik is an old shark. He was telling me what I wanted to hear" (516). Do you think it was fair for Venger to do this? Personally, I think that although Henrik did not expect the Blomkvist to have solved the Harriet case, he still should not have given him worthless information that happened thirty plus years ago.

2. In your own opinion, do you think that the Venger family was as bad as Henrik described them to be when he accused his family of killing Harriet? (92).

3. Do you think the last scene, where Salander spots Blomkvist and Berger together, killed all the trust and feelings that she build up for him throughout the course of the novel? Personally, I think the last scene did have a big effect on Salander and Blomkvists's relationship. She probably thought she got her hopes up for nothing.

Movie Thread: Only those who have seen the new movie!

You guys fail. I trusted a few key of you to set up the movie thing and you failed utterly. I probably should have been more proactive but alas I fail too. You all can watch whenever you want because I had to see it with my family in order to bond with them. Anyway possibility still exists for pizza/movie swedish movie. This is a comments posting regarding strictly thoughts and opinions on the new movie as it relates to the book. Only click if you have seen it. I shall make the first comment and you can continue the discussion afterwards.

A surprise ending

I know that the majority of us are finished or are finishing the book currently. I wanted to make a post to discuss the ending. Were you surprised by who was the killer? Did any details lead you to suspect them? I'd use more details but I know some people aren't quite finished and don't want to spoil anything so I'll save it for the comments section.

This is what Lisabeth looks like.

Yay or nay?

Profiling a Killer

So now the we have many more details on the killer and his victims, I thought it would be a good idea to come up with a profile of him. He has a hatred for women, seeing as he ha tortured, raped, and killed almost 10. He hates Jews, all the women have been Jewish. He's sadistic; he has burned his victims cut them, put one's head in a fire while she was alive, and many more disturbing acts. Also, the killer has some interest in the bible, at least enough to set up his murders like they were commanded by the bible. Right away one person comes to mind that fits this profile. Harold because he's a nazi and hates women to a certain degree (he calls his daughter a whore). BUT he most likely is not the killer and just an angry old nazi. Any other ideas, or additions to the profile?

Also a quick side note. I see the connection to the original title now, Men Who Hate Women. The book focuses so much on rape, assault, and murder of women. From Lisbeth's rape to the sadistic murders that paint the picture of, in the words of Salander, "A common or garden bastard who hates women" (418).

Speeding up the process

When does the movie come out? And will we be done by then?

Blomkvist: The Player

I wanted to talk a little about the relationships that Blomkvist has sprouted so far. Sex is a prominent component of TGWTDT, and however awkward it may be to discuss it, I felt it only natural to evaluate the sex life and romantic interests of Blomkvist. Firstly, I would like to propose a question: To what degree do you think that Blomkvist cares abouts the women he sleeps with? I think we can agree that Blomkvist is certainly a lady's man, but his connections with women are fascinating. Berger's status as a bestfriend-with-benefits, for example, provides a little insight into Blomkvist as a lover. While he seems to be fairly obsessed with her during his first few weeks with Vanger, he is quick to find solace in the voluptuous breasts of Cecilia Vanger. He never ceases to call Berger but then is disappointed when Cecilia turns him away after prison. Do you all think he is a pig that just tries to hook up? Or do you think there is something deeper and he should run off with Mitt Romney to start a polygamist cult? Let's evaluate together!