MDDM Ch. 77 Dogs and dogsbodies

[Bandwraith at aol.com]

In a message dated 9/18/02 5:01:36 PM, jbor at bigpond.com writes:

<<the actual circumstances and conversations of these

> later meetings having been lost to that "Void of forgetfulness". (And it

> draws the reader's attention to the fact that almost everything else which

> is narrated in the novel has been fabulated in precisely the same way.)>>

Which is the quote from Boswell, but no matter...


<<Sorry to disagree with you, but I'm pretty sure it's Johnson.>>


Boswell, I think, but Johnson if you prefer, because that
reinforces even more he who would "pluck a few words from
the multitudes rushing toward the Void of forgetfulness?"
I.e., the particular observer of Johnson, Boswell. [747.34].


> 746.18.


    The abruptness of the Doctor's question reminds Mason of himself,

    addressing the Learnèd English Dog, a dozen years ago...his mouth creeps

    upwards at the corners etc


>>Mason smiles at the Doctor's impetuous desire to learn about the Native

Americans' "Powers" and how they use them. It's a bitter smile, for the

L.E.D. and his canine cohorts never did provide Chas with a satisfactory

answer, and nor will Mason give the Doctor one.<<

He doesn't have one to give, but, as he freely admits, it's
not because he isn't looking for evidence of the supernatural.
[747.7]


 Johnson is blunt and honest, as was the

 historical Johnson, and he is no less so with Boswell, who

 has learned to deal with it.


<<No, I don't think so. Johnson dismisses the Scots as shysters (745.16) and

bloodthirsty cannibals (745-6), and he calls Mason a "Lunatick" (747.16).

The Doctor's an arrogant racist. Boswell just rolls his eyes (745.21).>>


The Scots he sees as "strong" and "shrewd." Mason, according 
to Wicks, desires to be included as a Lunatick. Boswell is either 
rolling his eyes, or has eyes for the last roll. Either way he's 
compromised. [745.17, 747.18, 745.21]

regards