This episode explores the themes of suicide, grief, and the complexities of relationships between professors and students, using Sigrid Nunez's novel "The Friend" as a central point of discussion. Against the backdrop of the novel's adaptation into a film, Terry Gross interviews Nunez, who reveals her personal experience with suicide and its impact on her writing. More significantly, the conversation delves into the ethical ambiguities of relationships between professors and students, drawing on Nunez's own experiences and observations of power dynamics in academia. For instance, Nunez discusses the evolution of rules and guidelines surrounding such relationships, highlighting the shift from past acceptance of certain pairings to current strict prohibitions. The discussion also touches upon the emotional bond between humans and animals, particularly the narrator's relationship with her friend's Great Dane, and the challenges of explaining grief to a pet. Finally, Nunez reflects on her personal life choices, including her decision not to marry or have children, and the trade-offs she has made in prioritizing her writing career. This episode offers valuable insights into the human experience of loss, the power dynamics inherent in mentorship, and the complexities of personal choices.
