Posted by Peter H on June 25, 2007 at 14:41:29 from 86.149.219.96 user Peter_H.
In Reply to: Re: What would Susan's story be? posted by Jock on June 24, 2007 at 22:01:41:
Her role as a substitute adult is played to perfection
Well I certainly agree with that. However, I note that the general TarBoard consensus view of Susan is that she is just a 'necessary' character, whose presence is demanded by the mechanics of the plot, an 'enabler'. Fair enough, but I personally see her in a much more positive role. For me, Susan's presence is not just necessary, it is highly desirable. I must be one of the few people who are not irritated in the least by Susan, even when she is being very 'native'. I think she is at times a wonderful antidote to all the 'let's pretend' stuff, the 'yo-ho-ho'ery. Pam has already mentioned Susan's astute realisation that the best thing to do after the horror of the shipwreck is to light a fire and get everyone doing something, and even Nancy acknowledges that. Which of us is going to argue with Nancy???
My favourite passage featuring Susan is at the end of the 'White Flag' chapter in S&A:
'Roger' she said, 'your watch below. Go to bed this minute.'
'But it's tomorrow,' said Roger.
'I don't care if it's the day before yesterday', said Susan. 'March!'
That always makes me cheer - yeah, good - get the little twerp into his tent - good old Susan ! Quite witty for a ten-year old, too.