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Dolores Gordon-Smith's avatar

Blue uniforms were worn by soldiers who were patients in hospitals in WW1, which fits right in with them being restrained in some way

Jem Bloomfield's avatar

Oh superb detail - thanks for adding it! Didn't know that, and it adds an intriguing angle to the uniforms, as you say.

Dolores Gordon-Smith's avatar

Thanks Jem! Tolkien loathed Busman’s Honeymoon and I find Peter’s breakdown a bit hard to take but it’s such a relief after all Harriet’s hesitation to see them married at last! And your analysis of the dream was superb!

Jem Bloomfield's avatar

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! (I must admit I find the breakdown tough to read as well.) Also didn't know Tolkien disliked the novel - do we know on what grounds? Too little detection, too much pastoral?

Dolores Gordon-Smith's avatar

It’s a comment in a letter to his son and I don’t think he gives a reason

Letters's avatar

I stopped reacting because I haven’t read the book! But I will add it to my mental tbr list.

Jem Bloomfield's avatar

Glad to know that somewhat ramshackle system of warning is working.

Melody Schwarting's avatar

Really enjoyed this, thank you. I just finished Busman's Honeymoon a few weeks ago and began Rebecca yesterday, so it's quite timely!

Jem Bloomfield's avatar

Thanks! What an excellent coincidence.

Rachel M's avatar

Loved this analysis. Also reminds me of one of my favourite lines after Harriest muses on the idea of Peter as England: "England, serenely unaware of his symbolic importance..."