I just got
this video in my email and thought of this discussion because of Laurie's mention of the song "American Pie" in the introductory notes to this discussion.
It features Dr. Jim Salem of the University of Alabama deciphering the song, including the historical, cultural and musical references, many of which I wasn't familiar with, despite growing up not too long after the time span addressed in the song (mid 50s to late 60s).
P.S. Kerry, you're probably right about the ambiguity working well in the book, but it still jangles a bit when I think about it from what I imagine--through my own particular lens--to be the wife's point of view. But a little jangling isn't necessarily a bad thing, of course; we can all use a little shaking up on occasion.
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