Very interesting, but...
Posted by Karen R on November 06, 1997 at 16:14:32:
In response to The Void***possible spoilers***, written by Cassia on November 05, 1997 at 20:18:03
]I believe that man concern is that of 'possession'. Whe Ash realises Christabel must have something to do with him, she becomes in his mind someone he must possess. Yes, he wants her mind, her ideas and soul and it doesn't take long for him to find he wants her physically but duplicity is not his motive.
Duplicity is not the motive, but the way he goes about his objective of possessing her from her head down to her toes.
...that the sequence would seem like one of Coleridge's opium dreams. It doesn't work out that way but how can you fault him for the attempt when you know he is a great experimarner.
Eowwww, an experimenter??? That's even more calculating than I accused him of????
Victorians didn't have this experience or rather, if they did, it was not talked of.
It was not talked of...doesn't mean it didn't exist. The secret lives of the Victorians...
At least Ash feels his responsiblity toward Ellen, this makes him a Victorian ratehr than a Romantic. Many Victorian attitudes grew out of opposition to Romantic ecesses. It may be both more romantic and Romantic to run off to the continent and yell that nothing but love matters but it leaves a nasty mess behind.
True, but that happened...even to the Victorians. The Brownings???? What I am pointing out is that being a poet would give one the impression that love plays a greater role in one's life. (I know--faulty logic!!!) I would have expected more from Ash if he were truly in love. Yes, I'd feel sorry for poor Ellen, but she made her own bed so to speak. I believe the words Ellen uses are something to the effect of building a house of lies. Cruel callous woman that I am.
I've already argued he isn't a Romantic.
He's not a Romantic to me either.
Ellen, because she couldn't give him sex, also couldn't give him friction. (snip) For many men both is the past and present this would be. 'Anything for a quiet life.' For others the pressing againt each other, both physical and mental, is necessary, it is the only reassurance that one is indeed alive, it thunders through the nervous system and shouts it confirmation. Conflict and its later resoulution are part of the reason life is fulfilling.
Ohhh, I like this extrapolation of what sex is about!!
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
