I think a large part of the point is that Edward is seen as part of the bigger picture, and that no one in authority asks him/takes notice of what he wants. It seems to be as much about people getting carried away in doing things by the law/system and forgetting that there are real people involved. The bit at the panto where ?Rowan (it is a while since I read this) talks to Judith and suddenly seems to see her as a person is very telling - the Marlows do tend to see things a little bit in black and white.
I was rather upset by their treatment of Ann, but this is very much a thread that has drifted through all the books. All the Marlows disregard her, and Nicola does recognise this sometimes (but never attempts to change her behaviour as a result). There is an excellent essay on the treatment of Ann at http://www.maulu.demon.co.uk/AF/articles/familyfailing/index.html I've always felt sorry for her, and hoped she had a good life after she escaped.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2007-11-16 09:38 pm (UTC)I was rather upset by their treatment of Ann, but this is very much a thread that has drifted through all the books. All the Marlows disregard her, and Nicola does recognise this sometimes (but never attempts to change her behaviour as a result). There is an excellent essay on the treatment of Ann at http://www.maulu.demon.co.uk/AF/articles/familyfailing/index.html I've always felt sorry for her, and hoped she had a good life after she escaped.