Autobiography & a couple of puzzles

[Paul Mackin]

On Sat, 13 Jan 1996, Tom Maddox wrote:

> >From _V._  the punchline to Fu's joke:  "Was that not a curious minstrel?"
> (I'm doing this from memory because my copy of the book is elsewhere; hope
> that's right.)  Anyway, is that a pun?  It *feels* like one.  If not, what
> is it?  Just a little narrative itch I've never been able to scratch.

This is farfetched, not exactly a pun, and includes possibly 
objectionable material (not unknown in TRP). But with apologies in
advance, what the heck. 

Since this is one of Fu's "Chinese jokes" (p. 131) , it may be expected 
that the mandarin will interpret the objectionable action of the minstrel 
(making off with valuable property) in some stereotypical "Chinese 
way"--say, in the manner of how a so called "Chinese copy" of something
is made. (A Chinese copy (in U.S. usage) is an exact imitation or 
duplicate made without discrimination, reproducing _defects_ as well as desired
qualities.) Therefore, the mandarin interprets _all_ of the actions of
his former employee as part and parcel of the song he sings, a _curious_ 
song though it may be. Thus, the worthy continues to ponder "Was that not a
curious minstrel?" 

(The minstrel is the song as well as the singer, but you knew that.)

					P.


> 
> >From _GR_, the Kirghiz Light.  That one feels like it should refer or
> allude to something outside the book, some event, civilization, city,
> *something*.  Anyone got an idea or explanation?
> 
> Yours,
> 
> Tom
> 
> 
> 
>