A very powerful dramatic effect results when a character that has become strongly established in a series acts out of character under extreme pressure. We might all be able to think of examples. In a British TV comedy series, an Army sergeant assigned to supervise an entertainment troupe does not regard them as real soldiers and consistently addresses them in derogatory terms but, when obliged to choose between love and duty, he says in a quiet voice, "Fall the men in and let's get out of here...," to which his subordinate replies, "Sir! That's the first time you've called us men!"
I remembered this when I read the following:
"'Did the sun burn the lands up when it peaked?' For once, van Rijn almost whispered a question." (p. 556)
More than anyone else, van Rijn knows when his usual flamboyant style and loud delivery are simply not appropriate. In fact, I think that this character never speaks or acts inappropriately at any point in the entire series. Much of what he says and does is an act but it is always an act with a purpose and the purpose is not always profit.
See also here.
2 comments:
It's an act... but a -genuine- act, if you know what I mean. Van Rijn is 'putting it on', but it's in a way he'd naturally act, only he's consciously choosing to do it. The way you can decide to lose your temper, for example.
Kaor, Paul and Mr. Stirling!
Paul: Now I'm wondering, do we ever see Old Nick speaking in the Technic equivalent of Oxfordian Anglic? (Smiles)
Mr. Stirling: I have not always succeeded in doing so, but I believe in the desirability of calmness and not losing one's temper. Along with the Gospels I credit the MEDITATIONS of Marcus Aurelius for whatever progress I have made in achieving that goal.
Ad astra! Sean
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