-------- Original Message --------
MR responding.
BB: "Why work so circuitously to make a connection that the novel
itself makes directly--unless you feel you need to get, by stepping
stones you have imported and moved into position, to the story of
Tereus and Philomel?"
MR: Brian, thank you for your analysis. You have opened up several more
connections I had not yet seen. I'm sure to you these seem obvious--and
perhaps they are to others as well--but I nonetheless had not put them
together in my mind. If the connections between Hazel and the
mockinbird are indeed so direct, I wonder why everyone has kept it such
a secret from me! In any case, your post was very helpful. Carolyn
shares your skepticism about the Vane Sisters link, and on second
thought I agree that it wasn't worth mentioning.
On the other hand, I don't think I have "imported" the stepping stones
that lead to the Tereus Myth. All of the Shades are associated with
birds, and these birds just happen to correspond nicely to the birds in
the legend. I am taking the hint.
Best,
Matt Roth