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The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Pamela Johnson (view source)
Revision as of 16:29, 29 August 2020
, 16:29, 29 August 2020no edit summary
* '''BB: Martin and Lydia's friend Jean both have ageing mothers who are facing physical and mental challenges. How does this subplot reinforce the theme of keeping a shaky hold on life?'''
PJ: That's an interesting observation. Jean's mother is well into her 80s and has lived a full, rich life; Martin's mother, Eileen is only in her sixties, actually nearer in age to Lydia. I saw Eileen as contrast to Lydia. She's full of anxieties – I think we all know someone like Eileen who finds it difficult to be reassured, who feels safest, almost, when she's worrying! By contrast Lydia has more reason to be fearful and yet she faces life boldly and is unconcerned with agingageing. Also part of the subplot was to observe the ways in which the characters had been 'mothered.' Jean is close to her mother, whereas Martin is constantly frustrated by Eileen. Meanwhile, Lydia has had to 'mother' herself. Her real mother consists of fragments of distant memory.
* '''BB: I was continually struck by the focus on people's effect on the land, and vice versa. What are some of the different ways in which people and their environment interact here?'''