Posted by Robert Dilley on December 17, 1998 at 15:50:44:
John Williams (Dec 16) raises an interesting point regarding Dorothea and Dick. Their relationship is a most unusual one in the AR canon. Elsewhere, there seems to be a strict hierarchy of age: even though Susan is the "native" Swallow, she still obeys John's orders; when Roger and Titty are alone she is clearly in charge. The older Death and Glories are solicitous of "young Pete". Although Dorothea tries to "Susan" Dick at times, in any action it is always he, the younger, who takes charge while she waits to be told what to do. Even in 'Scarab', Dick is clearly captain to Dot's mate. Then there is John Williams' suggestion of (one hopes unconscious) incest feelings. Is it normal for brother and sister in their late pre-teens (presumably) to plan a future life together? I'm somewhat handicapped. I never had sisters; my daughters have no brothers. My wife had five brothers (and four sisters) and was hardly in a Dick-and-Dot situation. As far as I recollect, they were the only children in the stories who planned to be together later in life. John and Roger had no thoughts beyond the Navy which (at that time) would automatically have excluded Susan and Titty from their future plans. Anyone out there who grew up with a slightly older sister or younger brother care to comment?