VV(19) Sun Showers

[Samuel Moyer]

The weather on Valletta (for October 30, 1956):

"Now there was a sun-shower over Valleta, and even a rainbow."  (424)

"The rain came down and ran into his ears and down his neck and he watched
the sun smearing the sky red over Valletta."  (425)

For a change of pace around here, I thought I might bring out the use of
symbolism in TRP (Yes, everyone thinks they are a comedian... me included).

Sun
Rain Shower
Rainbow
Red

Fat Clyde and Pappy are heading to "The Gut" (not the "Sailor's Grave") so
it is not quite a descent into hell.... but it is evening and the sun is
sinking which could be taken as a descent.  Note Pappy's emotions - the
emotional struggle presented in this chapter.  Of course we can assume that
it has to be approaching night time because they are going out drinking...
One can read symbolism into anything... but consider the red sky.  Red is
the color of pulsing blood and of fire and thus it can be seen as
representing the surging and tearing of emotions.  (I am reading most of
this out of JE Cirlot's Dictionary of Symbols which also states that when
red appears (as in a dream), one is ready for action.)

We also have a rainbow and we know that saying "Red sky at night, sailor's
delight" suggesting both fair weather and God's blessing.

Rain was necessary for the rainbow, but rain is great for fertilizing,
rejuvinating, restoring life.

So we can read all this into the emotions and actions of Pappy Hod (why that
night to finally come out of his bunk?)

Does TRP do this on purpose?  The sun also rises in the morning bringing
resurrestion and a new day (hope, change, improvement).  The sun hasn't
risen yet, though it is early morning, when Pappy sees Paola waiting for him
as he returns to the ship (442).  Everything is put straight for Pappy -
then there is that ivory comb too...  but first the Suez, Brits, Kilroys....

Sam - who may have taken this too far...