Posted by John Lambert on April 09, 2008 at 04:35:38 from 64.59.144.85 user Benedict.
It occurs to me that part of the appeal of AR's works is the recurring theme of a sanctuary or protected place. In SA, the tents are a kind of sanctuary. Titty lurks in the bottom of Swallow, which provides protection as she hears the robbers on Cormorant Island. In SW, Peter Duck's cave and the Billies' hut are sanctuaries. The Dog's Home in PM is another one. In Missee Lee, her private house (pagoda, summer house?) is another; while the wreck in Peter Duck provides a safe haven from the storm. The old mine in PP also serves as a sort of refuge for the SAs. The cabin of the Goblin provides a respite from the wind and the waves in WDMTGTS. The cabin of Mrs. Barrable's Teasel is also a hiding place for Tom after he sets a boat adrift in CC. WH is full of such sanctuaries: the houseboat, the North Pole and the igloo are all protective and secure. Most children who live in places with snowy winters have tried building an igloo from snow blocks with varying degrees of success. Dick's blind in GN lets him watch the divers without them seeing him. The pict house is also a protected area where Roger can see without being seen. The desire to have a private place seems to be a part of childhood. AR recognized this and must have deliberately included so many places in his books. There are probably a good deal more I haven't mentioned.