> with himself. I don't remember Neil's socio/economic or educational
> background ever being brought out, but he very obviously doesn't have the
> self-assurance of a member of the upper middle class.
I think the fact that he's being considered for advancement when
Willie isn't, and presented with the Well, who was Willie argument, means
that he is from the upper crust, though the lower layers of it.
>
> Funny, wwhile I agree that Wellingham is capable of cold-blooded
> calculation, and so is Neil, I also think Neil, while a definite and
> De-FIN-i-tive conniver, has more capacity of real emotions than
> Wellingham. Not necessary "normal" emotions, but very deep ones.
>
Neil controls and contains a lot, and the emotions (his pain over
Laura, for example) are very vivid when they break through. I think the
depth is created by Neil's shoving things deeper and deeper, and because
of his fear of exposing himself emotionally he has a touching
vulnerability when he falls in love with Laura. On the other hand, I
think that Wellingham is capable of deep emotion, even if we don't see
some specific example of it. I think that he would have to love Neil a
great deal to put up with everything he does - the series does indicate
it's affection more than some political maneuvering. I think he probably
loves Belinda, even though she's also driving him crazy. Actually, in
most cases I would be more intrigued by the character with Neil's sort of
response - and he certainly fascinates me - I just like Wellingham better.
I'm sort of half agreeing, and half disagreeing with you here. I
certainly don't think Wellingham shallow emotionally, though Neil is
probably more deeply passionate when he does feel something for
somebody.
Gayle