Atdtda25: Direct as children, 705-707

[Mark Kohut]

Paul's always good focussing leads me to think that TRP might
  be commenting on the "immaturity" of some of his earlier-book characters
  and of parts of his vision?.........
   
  And/or commenting on an "immature' emotional attitude to life? Considering what
  is coming up with Cyprian, especially. ?
   
  Mark

Paul Nightingale <isread at btinternet.com> wrote:
  As the new section begins, Cyprian "had soon grown fairly sensible of how
little he had to say in the matter of where he was to be posted from then
on". Back to a passive role, then. However, he can look forward to being "an
Old Upper Adriatic Hand": cf. his first impression of Derrick Theign on 701:
"... a tall and careworn functionary, from his accent stationed out here,
perhaps, actually, for a while now", the gathering sub-clauses indicative of
a sudden awareness of how easily this might have happened, time slipping by.
When he meets Theign--the surname more prevalent now, his flirtatious
request to use the forename a fading memory--one is struck by "charged
silences which would often stretch uncomfortably" (705): their earlier
encounter was marked by volubility on both sides. Again, one is reminded of
Cyprian with the Colonel: "assignations ... always conducted in silence"
(700). However, by the bottom of 706, Cyprian and Theign have lapsed into an
easygoing bitchiness, each man trapped in the role he cannot avoid playing.

Here, Theign is perhaps accusing Cyprian of paedophilia; however, one of
reminded that, speaking to M/G, he referred to Cyprian as a child, or at
least not fully adult (704). Cyprian's suggestion that he "[g]et about more"
(706) is perhaps an invitation to Theign. The exchange has been inserted
into Theign's lengthy discourse on spying/the Italian navy; he continues as
though nothing has happened. Theign has been "perhaps indiscreet with pride"
here: evidently he wants to impress Cyprian, without giving that impression
directly, so to speak. Indeed, his "exceptional effort" indicates that he
has been putting himself about, if not in the manner Cyprian refers to.
Theign, according to Cyprian here, lacks a sense of adventure; to which
Theign responds with a display of knowledge. The reference to "aerial
surveillance" (707) reminds us of the Chums, and the ambiguity that
surrounds their ages (and ageing).



       
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