Posted by Peter H on August 19, 2007 at 14:09:48 from 86.130.131.116 user Peter_H.
In Reply to: Re: 'Toff' ruled out (was Amazons Toffs? posted by Dan Lind on August 19, 2007 at 03:35:25:
So what?
Dan - I agree with Peter Ceresole that the sort of discussion we have had has been fascinating. You ask 'so what?' - my answer to that would be that 'placing' a Ransome character in society can be a way of getting nearer to that character and reading his/her actions in the story in a new or changed light, or maybe just with renewed interest. You could ask 'so what?' about many of the TarBoard discussions - OK, we are not going to change the world but we do maintain our interest in and enjoyment of AR's books.
Turning to your query as to why the doctor, postman etc did not tell the G.A. where she could go, my answer would be that they dare not. The whole point of the G.A. character, as described so graphically by AR, is that she strikes fear into everyone she meets. She even speaks haughtily to the police sergeant. It is her speech and her presence which creates awe, and also her perceived 'social status' (which is what we have been discussing). Have you never met someone like the G.A., Dan? If you haven't, you're lucky !