His Type
Posted by Cassia on November 06, 1997 at 17:05:21:
In response to As a Foil, written by Karen R on November 06, 1997 at 15:38:12
] ] 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?
As there is in the US, there is a virulant anti-intellectualism in British society. Except for his obvious affection for Joan, Sir George fits the type. As does Maud's family. They care about dogs, horses, land, sport but little else. They may vote but know nothing of politics; nearly all are Tories because their fathers were. They are consumate 'buy and hold' shareholders. Many are xenophobes and their xenophobia includes a good many of their fellow Britons. Some are intelligent but curiosity is suspect. 'Clever' is nearly synonymous with 'unscrupulous' amoung them. Think Maxim de Winter or Mr Bennet without the brains.
A funny book to read would be Jilly Cooper's Class although it out of date now, there are more types since the 80's.
BTW, there are Americans who are nearly the same but the Americans tend to sport a smoother exterior.
How do I come by my information? Two years in an English boarding school.
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
