As a Foil
Posted by Karen R on November 06, 1997 at 15:38:12:
In response to Sir George, written by Cassia on November 06, 1997 at 14:47:14
] Doesn't Sir george Bailey remind you of Dr Suess' character, The Lorax? he most certainly speaks for the trees.
Sorry, but I can't relate to any Dr. Seuss characters. However, I have read that most people associate George Bailey as a take-off for PG Wodehouse characters. But I've no background on that either. Roland "took him for a character" and "Maud too saw him as a type." But what type?
What struck me about George and Joan is that they represent the perfect foils for Roland and his romanticism. Everything he sees at Seal Court is through the eyes of a Romantic. Both Joan and George look at Seal Court from the standpoint of realists. They can't heat it, they can't keep it in good repair. He couldn't care less about some "Fairy poet" when Fergus calls and he is waiting for the doctor. Joan serves them tea with an exquisite Spode service, which is sitting on a large Melamine tray designed to be hooked up to her wheelchair. The realists in a romantic world.
George thinks the trees represent "History" and that's what he is protecting. The history of his ancestor he has no use for unless it can make his wife's life better.
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