Vineland

[Paul Mackin]

On Mar 6, 2006, at 1:40 AM, Michael Bailey wrote:

> On 3/5/06, jbor at bigpond.com <jbor at bigpond.com> wrote:
>> On 06/03/2006:
>>
>>> "I couldn't help teasing you..."" - ie, not the
>>> most benevolent or mature adult herself
>>
>> I read this as quite tender, a lover's teasing, rather than something
>> harsh or malicious.
>>
>
> yeah, but I've friends who could kick my ass easily, and that's part
> of the understanding between us.  Teasing from them always has that
> undercurrent
> -- affection, some of it based on a naivete that the non-asskicker has
> to express because the asskicker is hungry for it, and will pay for it
> by refraining from violence though they will never admit to being
> converted over to idealism
>
> anyway, that's my reading of the dynamic, admittedly more  
> flattering to Frenesi


Interesting. I assume you are speaking of kicking ass figuratively,  
not literally.  In some intellectual way, perhaps.  And you have to  
pay some "tribute" in order to forestall this.

In Frenesi's case I think the only  tribute she needs to pay here is  
her sexual allure, which trumps everything else.  Her naivete doesn't  
have to be feigned.

F's main character trait is  that everyone wants her.