May 11, 2004

» Molesworth, spirichual sukssessor to mity hero Odisius and top butler Jeeves, is fifty

But Molesworth breaks the bounds of the school story. He represents another favourite topos of fiction — the underdog who comes Topp in spite of trials and vicissitudes. From Odysseus to Superman, from Oliver Twist to Gladiator Maximus, we shout for those who face fearful odds, for the ashes (FAG) of his father, and the temples of his Gods. (Div is super becos everyone do v. bludthirsty things which are pleasing to all boys).

From Falstaff to Billy Bunter we love funny bad boys. Another stock theme is the employee who is cleverer than his theoretical master: eg, Jeeves and Bertie, Sherlock Holmes and all the amateurs of the golden age of English crime writing win against Scotland Yard, and Molesworth triumphs on a tour of the cages, or Masters one by one. In fact, Molesworth, you are in danger of becoming a national stereotype and a Marcus Aurelius of our time.