Posted by Roger Wardale on November 06, 2014 at 05:24:55 user RogerW.
I have just re-read GN? and have been struck by the change in Peggy. Until the Red Herrings begin their march she has been forever playing second-fiddle to Nancy or worried that she was failing her in some way in WH.
Susan has had the maturing experience of the North Sea passage, but Peggy has had nothing of the sort.
At the start of the trek, it is Peggy who is setting out how they should set about it.
(p 257-8). Susan only contributes caution. Peggy exclaims ‘Jibbooms and Bobstays’ at one point, and for once it does not sound odd or a pale imitation.
At the Pict-house she urges the others to “Come on’. At the first sign of the stalking she takes command again ‘ . . . Buck up. Keep together . . .’
After Roger has vanished, Peggy stops Susan from going back to look for him and later she realises what he has done. Susan has accepted Peggy’s leadership, asking when they should turn back. Realising the need to keep moving, Peggy sees to it that they eat their grub on the move. Susan whispers to Peggy, but it is Peggy who sends Dot and Titty down into the valley. Only at the last does Susan take the initiative telling Peggy to signal, thinking John will know what to do.
Time for a reassessment?