VLVL Prairie and DL

[jbor]

on 17/10/03 5:55 PM, Paul Nightingale at isread at btopenworld.com wrote:

> It's clearly significant that, from the list, jbor has picked out one
> meaning that makes the chapter fit his limited (and limiting)
> interpretation.

Actually, what DL does do *is* stall -- right there in the text, direct
speech and Prairie's response (101.1-7) -- which is why the word in its
normal usage is apt. There's nothing at all in the text to support the
interpretation of "temporize" as meaning DL wants "to get her timing right".

>> A lot is left unsaid between the two of them, but eventually both
>> understand
>> where things stand I think.
> 
> Yes. Communication is achieved, messages are sent and received. Knowledge is
> processed. Which undermines the view that DL is being evasive. If so, her
> stalling tactics are remarkably unsuccessful.

Q. Does DL actually tell Prairie the truth about why Frenesi left?

A. No.

And they both know it.

> What I read is: "... DL had to stare down at her feet like an amateur tap
> dancer".

She's embarrassed by Prairie's heartfelt plea, and shamefaced because she
has let her down. I think that's a reasonable enough explanation in the
context of what's gone on in the encounter, and it's consistent with the
timing and nuance of DL's reaction as it is described in the text.

> Prairie says: "I'll have to trust you." DL responds: "You'll have to trust
> yourself." 

I.e. And *not* DL. It's an overt contradiction of Prairie's statement of
trust, an acknowledgement by DL that she hasn't been worthy of Prairie's
trust in what has transpired thus far.

> DL says: "You ought to at least have Takeshi's input on this. Any
> reason you can't come with me?" No "sadly"; no "fobbed me off".

So, in your version DL has told Prairie absolutely everything she wants to
know, hasn't held anything back, and is really happy and satisfied with what
a great support and confidante she's been? Ba-loney.

> The text
> tracks the relationship being established, one based on equality and trust.

Where does it say that? Your interpretation is an incredibly selective one,
and, for mine, it's a distortion of the text.

best