January 31, 2007


Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake

Gertrude, Countess of Groan, gives instructions to the ancient Nannie Slagg about the Countess’s newborn son:

“Slagg,” said the Countess, “go away! I would like to see the boy when he is six. Find a wet nurse from the Outer Dwellings. Make him green dresses from the velvet curtains. Take this gold ring of mine. Fix a chain to it. Let him wear it around his wry little neck. Call him Titus. Go away and leave the door six inches open.”

(p. 41)

posted by Cooper Renner in Uncategorized 

comments

2 Responses to “Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake”

  1. Sheila Ryan on January 31st, 2007 at 1:46 pm

    You know, I really am drawn to Gertrude, even though she favors Titus over Fuchsia and banishes Flay. She has her reasons.

  2. Sheila Ryan on February 1st, 2007 at 4:15 pm

    ” . . . his wry little neck”!

    As we agreed in a private exchange, that is truly the touch of Peake in this passage.