More on Same
Posted by Karen R on October 29, 1997 at 14:38:40:
In response to Metaphorical prowler, written by Jane Elizabeth on October 29, 1997 at 14:01:54
] Egad, I hope he wasn't a stalker! I think it's a metaphor. Poor Blanche sensed her fragile little world was threatened, and the wolf-at-the-door metaphor is apt. Remember Sabine's wolf story much later, and of course, Byatt's interest in fairy tales and psychology.
Wow!! Are we on the same wavelength today? But, before I go on to your new points, isn't there something interesting in how Blanche's diary shows a progression in her view of Ash's visits...and yes I do think he lurked around.
The first mention is a "prowler," and then he becomes a "peeping Tom." Lastly, he is the "wolf" at their door.
As a Prowler, this mystery person outside of the cottage is just menacing, but the inhabitants don't know his intent (e.g., robbery, murder, who knows). Dog Tray is nervous; his hackles go up...and he gnashes at the empty air. I was saving this, but I have little, if any, self control. In the poem Christabel, an important character is the mastiff, who howls at certain evil omens but is described as toothless, meaning that she wouldn't be able to protect her mistress against the forces of evil if she tried.
Then we have the Peeping Tom and the stalker (if you must) is identified as being more interested in the people (female people) than with the property. It is interesting that Blanche perceives Christabel as enjoying the voyeuristic aspect of having a Peeping Tom. She laughs even though he shamelessly peers in. Indicates a total lack of propriety in her--foreshadowing her behavior later perhaps.
Lastly, we have the Wolf, who by this time is gone from their door. Why? Maybe because he has found his sheep!!
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