Posted by Terry on June 30, 1999 at 13:17:53:
In Reply to: Re: Now you see them, now you don't posted by MikeE on June 30, 1999 at 11:11:23:
Could suggest that much of Vance's writing is enormously sympathetic to children and youth (Araminta Station, Emphyrio and Durdane come immediately to mind), but not necessarily in every case. Heroes and heroines fare better in the long run, of course, but as dramatic fodder, others do not. Apparently Suldrun did not have long range potential in Lyonesse in Vance's mind and so off she went! I do remember being shocked at the time which is pretty good for an old cynic.
It may be that Vance's sympathy is with children and youth (and I have often marvelled at how he manages to capture youthful sensibilities, pain and awkwardness so beautifully), but that the story compels contrast and conflict. This brings the little buggers in harms way occasionally and we likely react strongly.
One might mention that arly Heinlein was quite good with Children and their depiction.
So it may be dramatic device to drown and dismember the little tykes and not actual animosity - not that that was suggested.