Re: JCO: New story: Spider Boy and BY THE NORTH GATE

Hi, Ted. Yes, I think anger at his mother is important -- but the key motive
is Phillip's memories of the lost hitchhiker boys, particularly the one
nicknamed Spider Boy. In this story -- as in last year's "Fruit Cellar" -- the
child who discovers Dad's secret predatory sex life realizes on some level that
the victimized child is a substitute for him/herself. In other words, Dad
attacks other kids in lieu of his own kids. I think Phillip's identifying with
the victims ("It could have been me!) is what moves him to "betray" his parents.
Phillip realizes that his parents are not reliable people -- in fact, they
are dangerous.
Cyrano

In a message dated 9/18/2004 12:25:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
music@thenightshades.com writes:

<< I'm struck that what makes Phillip spill the beans to the police is his
impulsive anger at his mother.
>>
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