On Thu, 14 Jun 2001 13:05:35 -0600 Otis Lou Bohr pd@powersurfr.com writes:

Well, not having read the book in question, nor being particularly well-versed in the Psychology of Avon, I hesitate to dispute this, even though I feel inclined to (but I will argue that if delusions of morality are a prerequisite for Lost Soulhood surely Travis is even *less* qualified than Avon--Travis' motivation for revenge (against Blake, the Federation, humanity) being "you hurt *me*").

Come on, some Avon expert out there, support my case. I mean look at me, I'm talkin' about Avon! I'm this close to converting! Don't you want me on your team? Huh? Huh?

Ooo, a _challenge_.

Avon as Lost Soul (the following is a selective list of quotes - evidence against the case was left out [technically, this is because the contradictions are covered by Avon being a layered character and _not_ for less admirable motives on my part]), let me count the ways . . . .

The lost soul is 1) Tormented (well, _I_ think so) 2) Filled with angst and passion 3) [A] wounded spirit 4) A baffling puzzle of a man 5) Mystery and solitude surround him 6) Creative genius 7) He always remembers 8) [Attention, Avon droolers] Loves fiercely and hates just as passionately (just because he doesn't talk about it doesn't mean it isn't so) 9) Every wrong done to him is experienced intensely 10) Unable to find his way back to a land of promise and hope, so instead, he lurks in his cave [or science lab, as the case may be] 11) Unwilling to risk being vulnerable 12) Stuck in a perpetual cycle of pain 13) He feels deeply, whether he admits it or not

Oh, and here's a good one

14) While his mystery and tragedy may intrigue people, his pessimistic view of life drives them away

15) Unforgiving 16) Fatalistic 17) Immediately sees the negative in people and knows they won't change

And another good one

18) Catastrophe is around every corner

19) Isolating event in his past definded the LOST SOUL

Hey, we know it happened, don't we?

20) The LOST SOUL never joined in any of the reindeer games 21) The strong, stubborn part of him refused to bow down 22) He endured the painful ridicule with a hardened stare 23) A loner 24) He could easily score straight As if his interest was caught, [if not], he was likely to skip class 25) Separation and lonliness became a way of life for him 26) His isolation grew, his mistrust deepened

S4, anyone?

27) He noticed every lie, every betrayal 28) Creates his own kingdom, either literally or inside himself. 29) Wants to be left alone

And there's at least one reference to a Lost Soul with

30) Acid wit

Not to mention

31) Function well admist chaos 32) Pay attention to details 33) Take their jobs seriously and, last but not least, 34) Are detached from their coworkers

And there's also the entry under the LS occupation Gunfighter:

"The world is a savage and unforgiving place, and only those who take care of themselves survive. Used to being alone and trusting no one, the LOST SOUL refuses to be part of a society riddled with hypocrisy and corruption.

"He is good at slipping in and out of towns [insert planets] undetected. His cool eyes and steady hand hide his emotions and make him the odds-on favorite to win any fight, but he picks and chooses his battles, protecting only himself."

Read 'Shane' for further details.

Whew, so, there's the case for Avon as Lost Soul.

Ellynne ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.