Percy's works in real life

A.E. Manier Sr. (A.E.Manier.1@ND.EDU)
Sun, 30 Mar 1997 12:58:55 -0500

I have the sort of question about Thanatos Syndrome that anyone who gets
paid to read and write should be able to answer. I can't answer this one.
Lucky my kids have all finished their schooling.

I can't figure out the relationship between Tom More, Fr. Simon and the
author, WP.
At first, TM thinks SS is looney, just plain looney.

It is just as clear that WP doesn't think so, ever.

After TM hears the confession of SS and then hears the "tenderness leads
to the gas chambers" sermon, what does he think about Fr. SS?

Again, it's plain enough what WP thinks, isn't it? Fr. SS is speaking
for WP.

I'm the sort of moviegoer who never gets past identifying with the
character I find most sympathetic. I identify with Tom More, but I
can't figure out what he thinks about that sermon, nor what WP thinks
about what TM thinks.

My problem might be put this way: Percy thinks Fr SS is part of the
"saving remnant," and important prophet if anyone is.

Percy seems to think that no one pulls the wool over Tom More's eyes, but
that TM is on the outside looking in at Fr SS. That TM doesn't quite
have it together.

Is that what WP thinks? or does he think TM has got it all (faith and
understanding) together , but just sins a lot?

Is this part of Percy's novel about the relation of core believers and
marginal castaways?

If it is, what is he saying about that relation in this novel? Something
distinctive, I hope.

I'll accept help from anyone, licensed or not. But no boat anchors, please.

Happy Easter!

Ed Manier