The goal of The Traveling Symphony is to “cast a spell’ over people who spend “all their time engaged in the tasks of survival (Mandel 151). Often, this lifestyle seemed like “a difficult and dangerous way to survive” (Mandel 119) to its members; especially when traveling in “snow or rain through dangerous territory”. Besides the harsh environment, the internal conflicts between members create additional tension for the Symphony. The group is a “collection of petty jealousies, neuroses, undiagnosed PTSD …show more content…
The Symphony finds purpose in their art, Clark in the Museum, and Jeevan in his family and job. Mandel conveys the message of an existence beyond the archaic drive for survival. Life is about finding your passions like Clark and cultivating friendships with the members of the Symphony; It is about art, music, and passion. Mandel shows that if we do not take the time, then why attempt survival at