As he’s designing his statue of Aphrodite, Alexandros struggles with what to put in her hands. Did you have any thoughts as you were reading as to what would be appropriate? What do you feel about his final choice?
I really didn’t give this must thought until this question. I think the hands were an interesting struggle. What does one do with one’s hands at times? I think like Aphrodite herself, she struggled with what do with her life, so Alexandros had to have a struggle too - and given how the author ended the book, she had to made to make the hands fit with the ending she envisioned.
I never thought about it, but then when he talked about leaving the hand open for Ares, I thought that was pretty powerful.
I loved when Alexandros cut off her hands. It made the statue a legend and fit Aphrodite. It left the viewer wanting to know more and wishing she were complete. Wondering what she held. Wondering why her hands were amputated. The mystery fit her character. Everyone wanting love, but never knowing how to define it. That sums up her character.
I thought of a peony at first. It was a flower associated with Ares. But i think the open hand was much better
Wow, what a great question, I hadn’t thought about it. I do like open hands; they are both seeking and ready to receive. An open hand allows for imagination and interaction with the viewer. It fits perfectly. Of course, the ending fits well, as it is a mystery and will never be completed…perfect for Aphrodite.