At 04:20 2001-02-02 -0800, Shannon wrote:
...
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In RTTW, Wolfe pointedly
directs the reader to pay extra-close attention to the
voices of the characters as clues to the shifting
identities. For example, IGJ's cranky didactic tone
seemed to me the result of the rocky relationship
between pedantic Silk and dour Horn. And in RTTW, I
heard Silk's voice fairly often, and not just borrowed
memories. Horn and Silk seem better integrated, and
able to use their different strengths in tandem (i.e.
Silk's warmth and charm, Horn's maturity and
(relative) stability). Some of their/his spoken
passages are pricelessly polyphonic as subtle verbal
tics are exchanged, as well as the physical tells
which are occasionally mentioned.
I love those amazing schizophrenic conversations - my
favourite is Maytera Marble channelling Maytera Rose
and changing PoV practically every other word. I didn't
notice them so much with Horn and Silk, perhaps because
it's a while since I read any actual Silk dialogue. Do
you happen to recall any examples?
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In fact, I think
Silk is far more present in RTTW, though Horn may well
be hamming it up for effect...I should go finish the
book, and post with quotes next time <g>. -Shannon
I'm not saying anything :-)
Spectacled Bear.