Close reading Zookeeper (and Bat)

            After the section break on page 386, as in numerous other places in the "Night Train" chapter, the new section opens with Bat doing his disk jockey spiel.  Interspersed with Bat's radio jargon, there are some interesting pieces of information hidden in the paragraph.  Bat talks about three musicians:  Thelonious Monk, Milton Nascimento and Joao Gilberto.  Monk is a celebrated American jazz musician, which makes perfect sense for Bat's show, but the other two don't seem to fit as well.  Notably, both Nascimento and Gilberto are both Brazilian musicians.  This choice of musicians by Mitchell does two distinct things within the novel:  First, it further establishes Bat's character as a lover of eclectic music, which makes sense given his role as a radio show host.  Secondly, the choice to reference musicians from outside the United States (or Britain), suggests at a very basic level the global society that Mitchell seems to be trying to portray.  It is important to note that Bat references many musicians and songs throughout the "Night Train" chapter, and it is possible that Mitchell uses these references as literary devices to accomplish different things at different times (for example, playing off of Dylan's "Jokerman" and Streisand's "Superman" earlier in the chapter for a different juxtaposing effect).

            On the following page, Zookeeper calls in for his second conversation with Bat.  Close reading Zookeeper is a nuanced affair, because Zookeeper seems to lack the subtleness and tact of a Human.  Bat seems interested in Zookeeper for the novelty factor; as a host he wants to keep this crazy--but entertaining--person talking, and as a result Bat seems to acquiesce not press Zookeeper too hard on any of the details that emerge.  Perhaps most interesting out of this exchange on 387 is when Bat asks Zookeeper about seeing the aurora from the inside, to which Zookeeper responds:  "The rules governing use of language are complex, and I lack practice in words.  Imagine being drunk on opals."  Despite seeming hesitant, possibly even avoidant, Zookeeper creates a beautiful metaphor for what it might be like to see the aurora from within.  (Well, let's not forget that it's Mitchell that creates this metaphor, but through the voice of Zookeeper).  For Zookeeper, this simple metaphor adds a level of complexity to his character.  Zookeeper may be a non-corporeal being, but he can see the beauty of the aurora, and more importantly, can engage in the art of crafting metaphors.  Both of these things suggest a depth of emotion to Zookeeper, who Mitchell seemed to design to be a cold, distant character.