Pages 111-112
How is the young man presented?
The young man is presented in a vulnerable, dangerous state. His virginity, 'He has the special quality of virginity', makes his character appear weak and naive- therefore, being more prone to being targeted to be harmed. He is also presented as special/unique because the Countess feels emotion for this young man "never before has the Countess cast herself a fate involving love"- he is the first man which the Countess has felt compassion for which makes him an admirable, attractive character which also makes him appear as an important character to the story.
Pages 111-112
What is the significance of the bicycle?
The significance of the bicycle is to show how rational the young man is "He has chosen the most rational mode of transport in the world", "he is also rational." It is also significant to foreshadow that the young man is going to be in danger in the near future, with something superstitious "To ride a bicycle is in itself some protection against superstitious fears," also, it could be foreshadowing his protection from the Countess because of her feelings for him.
Page 113
What might be the significance of 'he gratefully washed his feet and hands' in the village foundation?
The significance of the soldier being grateful when he washed his feet and hands in the village fountain could be to show that he isn't an evil character, because he isn't ungrateful and selfish whereas most superior male characters in Angela Carter's narratives are.
Page 114
'Curiouser and curiouser'
What does this suggest about the young man? Which other character/s are you reminded of?
The young man being 'curiouser and curiouser' suggests that his character is brave and courageous, it shows that even though he fears the Countess he is still drawn to her, drawn to his possible death. This is similar to the young girl in the Erl-King, knowing he could do 'grievous harm' yet is still unconditionally attracted to him and drawn to him.
Page 116
The crone is described as bringing the young man to 'Juliet's tomb'. What is the significance of this inter-textual reference?
The significance of the inter-textual reference, 'Juliet's tomb' is to show that there is an element of romance in the relationship between the Solider and the Countess, it could also be foreshadowing the death of the Countess, similar to which in Romeo and Juliet when Juliet dies because of her love for Romeo- as the Countess dies because of her emotions and overwhelming love for the Soldier.
Page 117
'What a grisly picture of a capering skeleton! He covered it up with a happier one- of two young lovers, smiling at one another...'
How is the young man presented here? What might Carter's purposes be?
The young man is presented romantically here, showing his gentle and caring side towards the Countess. It's showing his feelings which he is developing for her and wanting to protect her, by covering it up with a happier picture of two young lovers is suggesting he is hinting at this for him and the Countess. Carter's purposes might be to contradict her other stories by showing this male in a different light to the others- making him the victim in the story and not the woman, currently the victim however as later on the Countess dies due to the Soldier.
Page 119
'Can a bird sing only the song it knows, or can it learn a new song?
One kiss, however, and only one, woke up the Sleeping Beauty'
Carter makes significant use of repetition in this story. Why might this be? What is the significance of the example above, both of which are repeated in the course of the narrative?
Carter makes use of repetition in this story because she is clearly making the moral of her story that people can change, suggesting to the reader that it is possible for them to differ from social norms and be their own individual, this is significant to the story because it is the overall message Carter is trying to present.
Page 123
'And so he puts his mouth to the wound. He will kiss it better for her, as her mother, had she lived, would have done.'
What is the significance of this quotation?
The significance of this quotation is to make him appear similar to a vampire, similar to the Countess, in some way, It is also significant in showing that the young man is willing to become the Countess's lover and take care of her like a parent would due to the love he feels for her- he is wishing to fulfil the role of this for her.
Page 125
'When he returned from the mess that evening, the heavy fragrance of Count Nasferatu's roses drifted down the stone corridor of the barracks to greet him, and his Spartan quarters brimmed with the reeling odour of a glowing, velvet, monstrous flower whose petals had regained all their former bloom and elasticity, their corrupt, brilliant, baleful splendour.
Next day, his regiment embarked for France.'
How might we interpret this ending?
We might interpret this ending as the 'monstrous flower' being the Soldier and him regaining all his former bloom and elasticity, however being corrupt as he has lost his virginity to the Countess which therefore indicates he is no longer the innocent and naive character at the beginning of the story.
Overall, how could you explain Carter's presentation of the lady and the soldier in this narrative?
Carter's presentation of the Lady and the Soldier in this narrative contrasts extremely with the other stories. The Lady is presented as being violent and powerful in the beginning whilst the Solder is presented as gentle and weak. However, in the ending of the story this original presentation of these characters change extremely as the Countess dies after becoming a vulnerable human in love with a man, the character of the Lady then appears weak and is shown as the victim as the Soldier is the reason for her death. Due to this, the Solder then therefore looks powerful and superior as the Lady dies and he carries on with his life as usual-representing the typical careless characteristics of a man after losing their virginity.
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