My comments re the Rhodian (sorry they're late - busy day at the coalface today):
“Witch” is an appropriate word. And I doubt that her name is Glinda! I suspect the coven she belongs to is strictly of the “black” variety! Speaking of names, what is the Rhodian’s name? And what is Alexias’ father’s name, for that matter?
Appears to me that if Alexias doesn’t like someone, he doesn’t tell us their names. As though he doesn't want to remember them, and wants us to forget them, too.
Whereas, if he likes someone, he doesn’t hesitate in giving us the name. For example, even the dinner guest, seen but fleetingly, who pissed in the courtyard, was given a name - Alkibiades. Granted, he did have the beauty of an incarnate god and was, therefore, memorable! Even making “water,” he was memorable!
Have I missed something here - with the names?
But back to the witch! She sounds to be despicable at every level and when viewed from any angle.
There’s not a lot more I can add to what you have already said, Jess. However, I have highlighted some parts of the text in my working photocopy and feel I may benefit by skimming through my notes here. Just to get the impression clear in my mind.
When Alexias first mentions her, he says, “my father engaged a nurse, a free woman from Rhodes.” From these few words, we gain a great deal of information. We can instantly place her within the social strata and constraints of the times. We know she’s not a slave. But she has no wealth or fortune of her own. Otherwise she wouldn’t be working as a nanny. Wouldn’t be working at all, in fact. And we know she’s from Rhodes. Ergo, not Greek. Ergo, inferior?
He further describes her as, “slim and swarthy, with a strain of Egypt in her.” Much as I want to hate her, I must say that the first image that came to mind when I read this was the beautiful portrait bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. And though she is most surely psychologically flawed (if not demented), it hurts me to have to concede that she is probably physically attractive. I mean, why would a man as socially desirable and physically “beautiful” as Alexias’ father tolerate a frump in his bed? Your thoughts on this?
Alexias says, “when her hand lay heavy on me,” so we know that she beat him. And I agree with you, that it was probably part of her brief, to discipline him. I have no doubt that the father expected her to discipline Alexias, and would have left it to her, to decide what particular form that discipline took.
Alexias advises that she had no “graces,” which verifies for me that she was low-born. Didn’t know how to conduct herself within polite society. Didn't know how to make small talk, conduct herself appropriately at table, use the cutlery, what glass to use, etc. I’m sure we’ve all known people like this. They look stunning – until they open their mouths! Any catwalk model could be used as an example (meow!).
For Alexias to observe that, “she seemed as lasting a part of my house as the porch or the well,” I understand that she was bossy, overbearing and omnipresent. A formidably malevolent force for a child to contend with, indeed!
I have no doubt that she was cunning and manipulative. She knew that her days were numbered, which is why she discouraged Alexias’ progress. I believe, in an effort to keep him young (immature), meaning the services of a nanny would continue to be required.
And the fact that she wrung the neck of Alexias’ little kitten is an absolutely unconscionably despicable act. Pity that cat didn’t have one of the submachine guns David’s sniper kitties carry! That would have surely taught her a lesson! This proves to me that she is certainly sadistic, and probably also mentally unbalanced. She would certainly try any underhand trick to stay in that cushy job. Not to mention that comfy, warm bed!
And in the cruelty stakes, you can’t get much lower than telling a little boy that he was a runt who came close to being exposed at birth, for wolves to devour, for no other reason than that he was just too plain butt-ugly to live! Yep, she’s one hell of an evil cow alright!
Let's discuss Socrates briefly (I promise!!!) before progressing to chapter 3. Comments?