ATDTDA (2): 31-33

Paul Nightingale isread at btopenworld.com
Thu Feb 8 23:32:34 CST 2007


This section begins in the middle of Ch4, but might be considered the start
of a new chapter. The section break on 31 does appear significant, a marker
of a new beginning in the novel. The previous section ended with the abrupt
shift from Chums to Scarsdale Vibe; and now the narrative focuses on Vibe to
the end of this chapter. From mow on, we might say, the Chums will have to
share narrative space.

The immediate impression is that Professor Vanderjuice is intimidated by
Vibe and Foley Walker; hence, the behaviour of the Professor is tied to the
way in which their characters are established (specifically Walker, given
that Vibe has already made his mark). Ray Ipsow is introduced (29) is
important as a companion ("... without whom I'd still be in Outer
Indianoplace"); on 30 his narrative pov is given primacy ("[i]t swiftly
became evident ..."). Foley Walker is introduced in a similar way, as a kind
of sidekick.

The scene that begins on 31 sees Walker assert himself; Ray is allowed a
brief ("muttered") statement, before the "small-talk" returns to Vibe and
the Professor (32). Hence, one function of the exchange on "criminal acts of
the rich" is to allow Ray to reassert himself; and he does so by leaving.
Ray's response to Vibe borders on the insolent, a denial of the great man's
status (a mock-respectful "[s]ir" added as an afterthought). It causes Foley
Walker to "[pause] in his whittling and [look] over as if in suddenly piqued
interest".

Upon leaving the room Ray meets Merle and Chevrolette, leading to the
exchange (33) that gives us the Professor's back-story (or at least part of
it).

In three or four pages, then, a group of new characters have been
introduced. More than at any time since the Chums appeared on the first
page. These characters have to insert themselves into the narrative; and do
so by suggesting the mysterious nature of the relationship between Professor
Vanderjuice and Scarsdale Vibe. One might compare this part of the novel
with Ch1, when the Chums were established in terms of the hierarchy that
obtained on the Inconvenience. There is a similar hierarchy of
power/authority here, which might encourage us to compare Vibe to Randolph.
Given the disruptive influence he is briefly allowed to demonstrate, Ray
Ipsow might be compared to Darby.






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