Posted by Terry on July 08, 1999 at 09:48:03:
In Reply to: More Crap posted by Nick Edwards on July 07, 1999 at 16:02:30:
I cannot think of a single Vance hero who inherits great wealth. In fact I can't remember a Vance hero that comes from a fully functional 2 parent family (no, wait, Wyst), although if such there are, I'm sure someone will point it out.
More often children or young adults are cut off from their families: Durdane, Nightlamp, Araminta Station, Blue World, Demon Princes, etc. In fact a very popular theme in Vance is the loss of one or both parent. No inheritance ensues. Those who inherit are often females of great priveledge who are attracted to Vance's strong silent type heros: The Face or Nightlamp, eg.
Or we never see the parents nor learn of them: Cugel, Adam Reith, Magnus Ridolph and so on.
To your question, Nick. I would guess that Vance would be much more concerned about freedom than equality. People make their own way and their own fortune. Society that oppresses, overbears must be overturned: Tschai, Emphyrio, Blue World, Gray Prince (also a very popular theme in Vance).
Equality is the equality of opportunity instead of abstract equality of from birth regardless of merit.