Michael, your point about Arnold trying to project a confidence and skill he didn't quite have yet - "trying to show his smooth competence, what he imagined would be his grownup ability to do such a thing without undue attention" - that hit so true to me. He idolises his brother, his brother has just offered to do the dirty work of getti…
Michael, your point about Arnold trying to project a confidence and skill he didn't quite have yet - "trying to show his smooth competence, what he imagined would be his grownup ability to do such a thing without undue attention" - that hit so true to me. He idolises his brother, his brother has just offered to do the dirty work of getting the duck if he shoots it (because he sees Arnold as puny and likely to drown if he attempts it), and Arnold - who wants the respect of a brother who has just narrowed his eyes to 'slits of mocking blue' - wants to seem as smooth and competent as his beloved Eugie. Poor kid - this new revelation just makes my heart break louder for him...
Michael, your point about Arnold trying to project a confidence and skill he didn't quite have yet - "trying to show his smooth competence, what he imagined would be his grownup ability to do such a thing without undue attention" - that hit so true to me. He idolises his brother, his brother has just offered to do the dirty work of getting the duck if he shoots it (because he sees Arnold as puny and likely to drown if he attempts it), and Arnold - who wants the respect of a brother who has just narrowed his eyes to 'slits of mocking blue' - wants to seem as smooth and competent as his beloved Eugie. Poor kid - this new revelation just makes my heart break louder for him...