AtDDtA1: 26-31 #1

[Paul Nightingale]

The morning after the night before sees the re-introduction of the
photographer and model, Merle Rideout and Chevrolette McAdoo. A transition
at lunchtime sees the appearance of "the boys' longtime friend and mentor
Professor Heino Vanderjuice" (29). Many reviewers have complained at the
number of characters in the novel, the way in which they appear, disappear
and then reappear many pages later, etc. At this early stage we might,
therefore, consider the function of these 'new' characters; and the key to
this phase, I think, is the effect on the Chums.

Chevrolette's role as dancer leads to more information on Miles' as
ukelelist (27); and Merle's back-story leads to information concerning Chick
(28). Merle's account of his wife's departure embarrasses Randolph, who now
appears considerably less worldly than his supposed inferiors. As well as
the exchange with Darby (16), one might recall Nate's secretary (24). The
scene between Miles and the card-sharp (23-24) similarly undermined
Lindsay's status; here, Merle's 'offer' to sell his daughter leaves Lindsay
apoplectic. Indeed, the transition to the scene with Vanderjuice comes with
Lindsay "scream[ing] ... but to no avail" at Darby (29).

The Inconvenience offers a sealed environment that allows the Chums a
fantasy life, one that cannot stand up to scrutiny outside its limits.
Randolph and Lindsay are most dependent on the airship for their elevated
status, and they suffer most from exposure to the outside world--which
throws into some perspective Randolph's speech on the threat from without
(16).