I read The Measure some months ago, but remember it vividly. The concept is dramatic---every American over the age of 21 receives a small box on their doorsteps. Each box contains a string of varied lengths: the length of your string tells how long your life will be.
Would you want to open your box? How would your behavior change? What, besides its length, makes a life worth living ? These are all questions the main characters face, and that readers will also think about. You gradually discover as you read, though, that meaning comes in different ways for different characters.
Where the boxes come from and why they arrive is never addressed, so don't expect this fantasy to explain some great unknown. What the fantasy does try to explore is the reality of anticipating our own deaths while trying to make the most of each day we are given.
The book is not preachy. The book is not depressing. It may raise more questions than answers. I appreciated that it takes on big issues it a very readable style. The Measure is thought-provoking and begs to be discussed.
So many questions: To open the box, or to remain in blissful ignorance? Should the state become involved in the decision making process and, if so, to what extent? How will each person and society as a whole react to truth contained within the boxes and how will individuals be treated as they are found to be short-, medium-, or long-stringers?
Comments