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)
comments
You know, I really am drawn to Gertrude, even though she favors Titus over Fuchsia and banishes Flay. She has her reasons.
” . . . his wry little neck”!
As we agreed in a private exchange, that is truly the touch of Peake in this passage.