M&D--a spoiler, perhaps, about names and other

[LARSSON at VAX1.Mankato.MSUS.EDU]

Penny confesses:
"




























"puzzled by                          
the last lines, spoken by Mason's sons William and Doctor Isaac,
respectively:
 
  "We'll go there.  We'll live there."
  "We'll fish there.  And you too."
 
First, I am forced to deal with the fishing imagery, already
evoked several times (say, on pp. 651-2, where M & D and the
Indians speak of fishing in the sky for star-spirits, and
Dixon runs a commercial for his Amazing Bread Lure).  What
does fishing signify in this context?  Have Mason's sons
accepted the promises of America, and plan to pillage it of
its natural resources as so many other settlers have done?
There's also the association of the fish symbol with Christ;
is that significant here?"



In context, and given Mason's separation from his sons, it sounds not 
unlike "Ilse's" promise to go to the moon with Pokler--a retreat, a
place of reunion, an idyllic bonding of parent and child--all over
a fishing line.

But one can extrapolate in oh so many ways:
Doctor Isaac (Newton?) also reminds one of Isaak--Walton, the Compleat Angler
Fishing might be linked to Christ, but more I think in the context of
	the humble orgins of the disciples than in evangelistic desire
	to be "fishers of men"
On the other hand, Mason might be a Fisher King in this new land--is he
	wounded?  by Rebekah's loss?  by his use by the Royal Society et al?
I don't see pillaging in this passage, but rather the myth of the Boundless
	Plenty of the New World--enough for everyone--and these are kids,
	after all, quite ready to believe such things more innocently than
	their elders



Or maybe not!


Don Larsson, Mankato State U (MN)