1. Would you consider
Tales from Outer Suburbia to be a
graphic novel?
2. Who is Shaun Tan’s
audience? The stories have the whimsy of
children’s books but have themes too complex for younger minds.
3. What is the
meaning of “It’s a cultural thing” in “Eric?”
4. What were your
favorite and least favorite stories?
5. As an
artist/writer, do you think Tan’s drawings inspire his stories or the other way
around?
6. What is the point
of “Distant Rain?” Is Tan telling us
that our poetry/art should not be hidden from the world?
7. Are there any
overarching themes you sensed throughout the collection? What is “outer suburbia?”
8. Tan has said “I
don’t think I’ve ever painted an image as a reproduction of what I’m seeing,
even when I’m working in front of it. I’m always trying to create some kind of
parallel equivalent.” How does this
information inform your opinion of his work?
Does this ring true with The
Arrival as well?
9. Tan’s Outer
Suburbia seems to be unfamiliar but safe.
Conflict and harm are generally solved quickly and easily. Why?
