Chapter 15 Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Don’t be fooled! This cassette and box is an invention of the film company. Still, it’s nice to look at

Kathy and Tommy – alone at last Tommy has remembered the tape after several years. He wants to give Kathy “a present” – why? Is it simply something between friends? Norfolk – the lost corner opens possibilities and helps find a lost relationship? Humour and natural relationship: “I laughed and punched his arm”. Is this TV learnt behaviour?

Alone in the shop Focus is on lost things, a stale smell and a recognition of these as being typical of the sales… almost like recreating the original find. Tommy’s response: 170.8 “Tommy, you don’t seem very pleased for me” 170.9 “His voice was softer than usual” 171.4 “Tommy stayed in a kind of trance” SETTING: “right at the back… darker…secluded…curtained off.” Privacy is rare in this novel and it allows K&T to develop a real relationship based on friendship. Tommy remains in the moment – genuine affection?

Deferrals, again Tommy is worried 172.2 “people like Ruth, they’ve been stoking it up”. Focus back to creativity and the gallery. “they revealed your soul” 173.2. Madame will clarify this at the end of the novel. T. is worried since No creativity = No possibility of love. K. relates the idea to Madame and the dancing. She opts to “protect” Tommy at this point.

Tommy’s animals T&K now have a secret. Tiny and fragile – he is considering protecting them. Sees animals as a vital link to his deferral – introduces the idea of visiting Madame – this will come back at the end of the novel. Ruth has no idea.

Kathy’s secret We have realised Kathy’s secret but Tommy reveals it clearly. 178.9: “I don’t know if Tommy saw the tears…somehow I did feel better and gave a little laugh”. Discuss sexual urges – T suggests Kathy’s normality Kind and generous to his friend

Homeward bound The clouds lift and all are friends again, the crisis is past. What does this suggest about the attitude of the children to independence? The symbol of NLMG enables secrets to be shared and friendship to be deepened.