The whole episode is interestingly about masculinity, I think
Yes, like others, I think you are spot on there. One thing I think is interesting is Peter’s response – it’s the only time in the book he shows any warmth or sympathy towards Edwin (“poor chap”). It’s as if he recognizes what has been going on between them, a power struggle of various kinds, and actually feels more kindly towards Edwin now that he has let slip the mask of authority and given an emotionally honest (ie violent!) response, and one that maybe of its nature recognizes Peter’s own masculinity/status and that he is not just a child. (In a way, I suppose a beating is what you would do to a child, but in another way I think it’s recognizing that Peter is strong enough to take it.)
Ann's fear for Fob is a really chilling moment, I think.
Now I don’t read this line the same way at all. I think the fact that it’s Ann reacting this way (ie not AF’s favourite character) and that even Ann then recognizes that she is overreacting (she “genuinely thought" only at that "moment” – ie thought wrongly), is strongly indicating to the reader that Edwin is not dangerous, or inherently brutal.
The sentence about the 'parallel emotions' of the families about Peter and Edwin's behaviour, is dead stylish
Yes, and if it's also literally true then what intrigues me is how the parties divide up between the “parallel emotions”. Obviously Karen (and maybe Edwin) think Peter has behaved abominably, and the younger Marlows/Dodds are all on the opposing side. But what about Mrs M and Rowan? It’s very hard to believe that they would think “Edwin had behaved unforgivably and Peter had been perfectly right” – it just does not sound like them. I’d think they would be in the middle, but we’re told there are only two attitudes – so maybe they actually agree with Karen on this? Somebody must – at least that’s the way it sounds, as if it’s not just Karen vs the world. And I can’t imagine Ann, the only other semi—adult, endorsing the violence, because it’s so against her nature. (And if Mrs M had really found Edwin unforgiveable surely they wouldn’t all be sitting down to breakfast.)
Putting together Peter and Ann’s reactions, and maybe Mrs M and Rowan’s too, I think we’re supposed to feel that what Edwin has done is understandable and within the bounds of acceptable human behaviour.
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timeasmymeasure
Edwin’s Violence
Date: 2014-12-13 04:48 pm (UTC)Yes, like others, I think you are spot on there. One thing I think is interesting is Peter’s response – it’s the only time in the book he shows any warmth or sympathy towards Edwin (“poor chap”). It’s as if he recognizes what has been going on between them, a power struggle of various kinds, and actually feels more kindly towards Edwin now that he has let slip the mask of authority and given an emotionally honest (ie violent!) response, and one that maybe of its nature recognizes Peter’s own masculinity/status and that he is not just a child. (In a way, I suppose a beating is what you would do to a child, but in another way I think it’s recognizing that Peter is strong enough to take it.)
Ann's fear for Fob is a really chilling moment, I think.
Now I don’t read this line the same way at all. I think the fact that it’s Ann reacting this way (ie not AF’s favourite character) and that even Ann then recognizes that she is overreacting (she “genuinely thought" only at that "moment” – ie thought wrongly), is strongly indicating to the reader that Edwin is not dangerous, or inherently brutal.
The sentence about the 'parallel emotions' of the families about Peter and Edwin's behaviour, is dead stylish
Yes, and if it's also literally true then what intrigues me is how the parties divide up between the “parallel emotions”. Obviously Karen (and maybe Edwin) think Peter has behaved abominably, and the younger Marlows/Dodds are all on the opposing side. But what about Mrs M and Rowan? It’s very hard to believe that they would think “Edwin had behaved unforgivably and Peter had been perfectly right” – it just does not sound like them. I’d think they would be in the middle, but we’re told there are only two attitudes – so maybe they actually agree with Karen on this? Somebody must – at least that’s the way it sounds, as if it’s not just Karen vs the world. And I can’t imagine Ann, the only other semi—adult, endorsing the violence, because it’s so against her nature. (And if Mrs M had really found Edwin unforgiveable surely they wouldn’t all be sitting down to breakfast.)
Putting together Peter and Ann’s reactions, and maybe Mrs M and Rowan’s too, I think we’re supposed to feel that what Edwin has done is understandable and within the bounds of acceptable human behaviour.