chenille

Whats the deal with Chenille in Lake ch. 3/4? Is she possessed by Kypris during some of these scenes?

larry miller wrote (08-11-2011 02:31):

It'll be more fun for you if you work it out by yourself.

Maybe I should have read the next chapter before I posted huh?

I didn't mean to sound cross; just that there are things are best left to one's own reasoning once more data is available. In Wolfe's case, expecting the unexpected is probably the best way to go on about reading him. larry miller wrote (08-11-2011 11:50):

From: Ant?nio Pedro Marques

It’s probably best for one’s own enjoyment to avoid reading too much about a book before one’s own first read. Although it depends, perhaps, on whether one intends to read it more than once. Arguably, the second read of Wolfe is better than the first, so a reader who will only read once might be better off spoiled! - Gerry Quinn

I didnt take it that way at all. I just assumed you didnt want to spoil anything for me. That she was my first thought that she was possessed by Kypris but couldnt remember if it was ever elaborated on (this is the first time Ive read it in a decade) and wanted some verification. Got to admit though Im still confused as to when Chenille is herself and when she is Kypris.

Iirc, there is also another Chenille possession to consider. But in regard to Kypris, the identity confusion is surely intentional. Chenille is a prostitute and in one interview, Wolfe makes a very stern admonition to those who think Kypris/Aphrodtite/Venus was a love goddess. He states: "She was a sex goddess".