ATDTDA (10): Technically smiling, 278-280

[Paul Nightingale]

Frank continues to accompany Wren on journeys "[a]nthropological as can be"
(275). The previous section is mostly discussion; in the new section
introspection gives way to a striking description of "Seventeenth Street
again" (278): that "again" a reminder of the nature of their relationship.
We are also reminded that Wren ("obliged to remove a real-estate agent's
hand from her bosom with a steak knife") can take care of herself.

Booth Virbling stays long enough to open up the discussion of Frank's
doings, and then wanders off. More introspection and backstory, this time on
Frank's side, a mirror-image of sorts of the previous section. Booth's
contribution has left him exposed: "Long habits of holding back information,
especially from young women one was currently sparking, usually kicked in
about this point." (279)

In particular, their work situations are juxtaposed. Wren's work came to an
abrupt halt when "career expectations" kicked in: one assumes the
"[s]omebody else now . writing up the report" (278) is male (Wren herself
being little more than just another "hysterical girl [graduate]"). For
Frank, his family duty has effectively put an end to his
education/employment prospects (272-273). Frank inherits from his older
brother, the first-born, the job of avenging Webb; so he too is caught up in
the patriarchal order, punished by the requirements of the system as she is.
As Wren replies, when he mentions mother and sister: "It's a son and
brother's job. Speaking anthropologically." (280)

Hence, "[s]peaking anthropologically", her advice that he goes in as a
covert observer: "What you folks call 'research', right?" They have no
future together: she rejects his offer ("technically she was smiling, though
it didn't quite get as far as her eyes") and "[h]e ha[s] the grace not to
look too relieved". Nonetheless it seems he is saying he has inherited
strategy from her. The chapter began with Frank (unsuccessfully) trying to
disguise himself; here he suggests he will do so again because she gave him
the idea. She says: "Maybe you're a better actor than you think." Is this a
reference to his upcoming trip; or is it a coded reference to the way he has
managed their parting here?

Cf. Lake: "She could still exhibit strange patches of innocence." (271)