03-09-2012, 10:18 AM
Sometimes you can get away with a cliche phrase if it fits within the context of the story. In this case it seems that it is natural for the character to use such a phrase as "betwixt and between", as obviously he has a certain amount of affectation, almost to the point of being stereotypical. However, as you note, death is the great equalizer and we can all identify with the fear of going there alone.
In terms of the idea of accompanying someone into death, I find it curious that if such is stated in known characters such as Bonnie and Clyde, Romeo and Juliet, and other couples of this ilk, this idea seems romantic, however when used as a litmus test for marriage between "normal" people it seems creepy (although I don't think he ever expresses this idea outwardly, as it is more of an inward musing). So even though you didn't give forth any significant nits, you do point out one of the major questions that the poem poses which is why is it OK to want to not live without your "other" when the character is literary or historic, but the same idea is unacceptable when transposed into "normal" people?
Of course the empathy we feel towards someone not wanting to face death alone goes back to the childhood fear of the dark, and wanting someone to be with us. I read somewhere that the fear of the dark goes back to our semian ancestors and how dangerous the dark was for them, as this was the time when the large predator would be on the prowl. For males it is typically the mother figure we seek out to ease our fears and comfort us. Regardless, whether the dark or death, few of us seem to ever overcome our fear of it, and in that respect we remain children forever.
Thanks for the read Billy,
Dale
In terms of the idea of accompanying someone into death, I find it curious that if such is stated in known characters such as Bonnie and Clyde, Romeo and Juliet, and other couples of this ilk, this idea seems romantic, however when used as a litmus test for marriage between "normal" people it seems creepy (although I don't think he ever expresses this idea outwardly, as it is more of an inward musing). So even though you didn't give forth any significant nits, you do point out one of the major questions that the poem poses which is why is it OK to want to not live without your "other" when the character is literary or historic, but the same idea is unacceptable when transposed into "normal" people?
Of course the empathy we feel towards someone not wanting to face death alone goes back to the childhood fear of the dark, and wanting someone to be with us. I read somewhere that the fear of the dark goes back to our semian ancestors and how dangerous the dark was for them, as this was the time when the large predator would be on the prowl. For males it is typically the mother figure we seek out to ease our fears and comfort us. Regardless, whether the dark or death, few of us seem to ever overcome our fear of it, and in that respect we remain children forever.
Thanks for the read Billy,
Dale
How long after picking up the brush, the first masterpiece?
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.
The goal is not to obfuscate that which is clear, but make clear that which isn't.