It's been really interesting to read the reactions to Edmund and Morgan's interactions. People are pulling out a lot more than I was conscious of in writing it. Something I am seeing is that there is a stronger desire in readers for them to come to some sort of happy, comfortable place, for a time, and soon. Though, DUH since I don't tend to be a fan of tragedy myself. I need to think about this more -- how to provide some emotional satisfaction and resolution.
The point about missing and opportunity is very well-taken. I have assumed in writing Edmund's regret that two things are going on -- first that of all of them, he is the most able to put it away and aside -- that it's easier to do that when he can say, "oh it wasn't that important, it didn't last that long, no big deal." But, he also feels real regret that, given how little time he did have, that he did not make the most of it while he was there. He looks back now on things like that farewell in the Lone Islands and thinks, "Why didn't I just say, forget all this, Morgan. We'll figure something out, come back to Narnia." And the Wall of Water is when he realizes the full magnitude of his loss.
I've found interesting as well how readers are really picking up on how he's trying to respect her and what she is doing. People really want to know what is going on in Edmund's head besides the obvious (Seth, TRAITOR BROTHER) and how they end up getting over this hump. And yes, for all that it is tempting to thwack Edmund (for some readers, again there is division), I don't blame him entirely either. Some of it he has to ask and in other respects, he shows a lot of trust in and respect for her judgment. Also, we see the coldness from Linch's perspective, and he's now looking at it as a father who hasn't been especially predisposed to Edmund all winter, so he is hardly impartial. Further, Jina does tell Morgan that she should have told him.
I do, as mentioned, blame him for not explaining his emotional distance due to Seth. Had he disclosed that, well, that's one of the regrets, I think.
OK. that's all for now. Thank you again, so very, very much.
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The point about missing and opportunity is very well-taken. I have assumed in writing Edmund's regret that two things are going on -- first that of all of them, he is the most able to put it away and aside -- that it's easier to do that when he can say, "oh it wasn't that important, it didn't last that long, no big deal." But, he also feels real regret that, given how little time he did have, that he did not make the most of it while he was there. He looks back now on things like that farewell in the Lone Islands and thinks, "Why didn't I just say, forget all this, Morgan. We'll figure something out, come back to Narnia." And the Wall of Water is when he realizes the full magnitude of his loss.
I've found interesting as well how readers are really picking up on how he's trying to respect her and what she is doing. People really want to know what is going on in Edmund's head besides the obvious (Seth, TRAITOR BROTHER) and how they end up getting over this hump. And yes, for all that it is tempting to thwack Edmund (for some readers, again there is division), I don't blame him entirely either. Some of it he has to ask and in other respects, he shows a lot of trust in and respect for her judgment. Also, we see the coldness from Linch's perspective, and he's now looking at it as a father who hasn't been especially predisposed to Edmund all winter, so he is hardly impartial. Further, Jina does tell Morgan that she should have told him.
I do, as mentioned, blame him for not explaining his emotional distance due to Seth. Had he disclosed that, well, that's one of the regrets, I think.
OK. that's all for now. Thank you again, so very, very much.