Critical Reading #2- Novel Metacognition

Janet Ngo

Taylor Dordoni

Joe Gonzales

Elianna Valenzuela

CR #2: Division by Zero

“No, you’re not listening. You think I’m just frustrated because of something like that? There is

no mistake in the proof…. I’ve just disproved most of mathematics: it’s all meaningless now.”

(Chiang, 81).

1. What is happening here?

a. What makes it a significant moment in the story?

Renee and Carl are arguing about Renee’s frustration with the math proof yet it is

difficult for Carl to understand why. Her frustration is significant because she became

almost obsessed with why the math proof. Even though it is deemed as flawless, Renee

feels as if there’s something wrong with it. It makes her question why things are the way

they are which also ties into society as to the way we are trained to not question certain

things.

2. What does the author want you to think/feel/understand at this point?

a. How can you tell? Point to specific things in the text as evidence.

The author overall leaves the reader with confusion and a feeling of irritation as well as

making them question certain things such as “why is the concept of math created this

way?” or “who decides what is considered correct in math?” The author’s choice of

diction such as using the phrase “No, you’re not listening” and “it’s all meaningless now”
 makes the reader aware of the looming tension between the couple because Carl is not

able to understand why Renee is frustrated. This reflects back on the audience because

we are able to empathize with Carl and his inability with comprehending his wife’s

unhappiness.

3. What choices did the author have to make in conveying these

thoughts/feelings/understandings? (How might things have been done differently?)

a. Were these choices effective? Why or why not?

The word choice the author used effectively conveyed feelings of annoying and

frustration through the inability of clarification. Renee’s inability to elaborate on her

thoughts and the built up tension between the couple created by Ted Chiang reflected

well onto the audience. The choices were effective for those who have encountered

multiple tense arguments as well as an inability to understand someone else’s train of

thoughts.