Posted by Mary on November 08, 1997 at 11:23:06:
THREE MILLION CHEERS!
This website is fantastic!
I am a relatively new Ransome enthusiast as, even though I'm 18, I just started reading Ransome a year ago. I realize that this is rather late but I noticed that many Ransome readers were introduced to the books by their parents (mine unfortunately did not read Ransome). In addition when I was younger I lived in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where Ransome is not promoted. I know that this entire message will only make me look like the duffer I am, however, I have been longing to discuss S&A and other "Things Ransome" since "Roger, age seven...." I was introduced to Ransome by another author. Books have always been more than just stories for me and this character in a series of novels that I adore read Arthur Ransome. I know this will probably end my right to post to Tarboard but before I found Swallows and Amazons in a store I didn't realize that Ransome existed. (They don't promote Ransome, though I had read Enid Blyton's advernture series and many other British novels when I was in early elementary) When I picked up S&A I knew that I would like it and have now become a totally devoted Ransome follower. I hope to join TARS as soon as I finish reading the series. It is so hard to find Ransome in Calgary and Edmonton. I had to order all the books (except for SA and SD) from the publisher. I just recently received BS through CITN but had to go hunting throughout the city to find SW because it was permanently out of stock at the publisher. To get to the point I have become a dedicated Ransome fan. Any connection to the characters I can find usually sends me into a bit of a spin. (I nearly fell over when I saw grog, ginger beer of course, in a British import store and when I found out that Roger, the real Roger that is, had developed Intal which I used for almost 10 years I was more that a little excited.) Sorry, about the long intro, suffice it to say I love Arthur Ransome and this page is outstanding. I have been reading as much and as many of the Tarboard as I can (university science, unfortunately beckons) and have noticed a few areas that I feel I could comment on. If you are still reading this, I would love to hear from you (even if you want to call me a tame galoot)I know I will look like a duffer, but, jib-booms and bobstays, here I go My first thoughts relate to the long debate over the nature of Susan's character. I believe that half of the debate is over the lack of development of her character, and as I have not finished the series yet I can't comment. However, there also seems to be debate over how interesting Susan is compared to Nancy and Titty. While Susan is admittedly more native, that is simply because she has to be in order to ensure that all S. A. and D expeditions can proceed. The entire PP expedition depends on Susan as Mrs.Blackett trusts her to be responsible. However, just because Susan has some native tendancies, it doesn't mean that her heart doesn't beat true as an explorer and sailor. She is as Captain Flint says "the most sensible mate that I ever saw in a ship", and she is a first rate sailor, (helping Captain John to go over the shallows to win the race in SD and sailing the Goblin while Captain John slept). The cooking and washing and native-ing that Susan does (which may be interpreted as boring) only reveal her devotion to the crew and the missions of the S,A's and D's. Camp,crew and shipkeeping may seem dull but they are just as vital as Titty's imagination and Nancy's confident, brave nature are to the success of the mission. The ages of the Swallows and Amazons is the next area I found quite interesting. I like many others had also pictured Susan as older than Peggy, or at least the same age as Peggy. I believe I read somewhere that Arthur Ransome had written that Peggy and John were the same age and that Nancy was a year older than John. Is this true? I have always seen John and Nancy as being almost the same age with Nancy being just slightly older. Oh well, sure as eggs is eggs that is me being a duffer again. Finally, ( I know those of you who are still reading must be thinking THREE MILLION CHEERS, she's almost done), I noticed there was a rather heated debate on the Tarboard about the possibility about a John/Nancy relationship. There were questions about does John love Nancy or does Nancy love John. I do realize that John and Nancy were based on the same person and therefore some feel that the question of a future relationship is not open for discussion. However, I believe that the characters though they have their basis in real people exist in and of themselves truly as seperate entities and therefore we can discuss them as such. After all I have read about the possible Titty/Dick realtionship and I believe that Dick is based in part on a part of Arthur Ransome's character. Having said all this, my opinion on the John/Nancy situation is this: there are many forms of love and love is can not always be equated to marriage or even a dating relationship. John and Nancy's friendship initially grows because of shared experiences. Not only do they experience the S and A adventures together but they experience them while carrying out the same role (ie captain of a ship). This would, I feel, foster a bond between them. As the novels progress, the deep respect that John and Nancy have for each other as allies, sailors and people grows. This is seen throughout the books. In SA when Nancy finds out about the "Captain Flint liar" episode she immediately tips him the Black Spot (respect as allies). John and Nancy obviously respect each other as sailors. When Swallow sinks for example, Nancy looks at John and "For once she had nothing to say". Nancy can imagine herself in John's position. When salvaging Swallow, John comments that "Nancy really was a sailor" and at the end of SD they both compliment each other on the race. As Nancy says to Captain Flint "But you don't know what John did with her at the end" And finally, they respect each other, period. In WH, John won't go to the Pole when he finds out Nancy has mumps and he wants to pick her up at Beckfoot when they are out searching for the D's. In addition, in SW John wants the Amazons to be there. I think this is because he realizes how much Nancy enjoys the adventures. Also, in SW Nancy (like Titty) realizes that John will be disappointed if the map is not finished and goes out to map the portion of Secret Water that they missed. Nancy respects John too much to let him down. After all this am I supporting a future John/Nancy love relationship? I'm not sure. I believe that thoughout the novels (that I've read thus far) Nancy and John have developed a great friedship based on mutual respect and admiration. They support and challenge each other. Does this constitute love, or friendship or a combination of the two? I have always tended to lean towards the latter. Just because they may love each other doesn't mean they will or have to get married. There are many forms of love. This form just happens to be that which you would share between someone who woudl give you "broadside for broadside till one of you sank" and who would also help you raise your ship,map an island or get you to the North Pole,mumps and all.
Thank you, so much for this time!! I would love any feedback even if you have to tell me to get off the page until I actually join TARS. I will accept any criticismand would love to discuss "things Ransome" with anyone. Thank you!
Swallows and Amazons for EVER!!
Mary