"A Thousand Acres" by Jane Smiley

What are the most tragic elements of A Thousand Acres? Which of these elements are rooted in the exercise of an individual's will, and, which seem attributable to something beyond the scope of human volition?

For a summary of King Lear, which the story is based on, go to:

http://absoluteshakespeare.com/guides/king_lear/summary/king_lear_summary.htm

For more information about the author, check out:

http://iowalum.com/pulitzerprize/smiley.html

Further reading about the novel:

http://www.scwu.com/bookreviews/h/SmileyJaneThousandAcresA.shtml

http://litlove.wordpress.com/2006/08/23/jane-smileys-a-thousand-acres/

"In the Dark" by Brian Freeman

Does Clark Biggs deserve what happens to him? Does he act in a "moral" way?

For more information about the author, check out:

http://www.bfreemanbooks.com/