Re: and dream of sheep

[afcpeters@aol.com (AFC PeterS)]

In article <1994Apr28.161238.15829@k12.ucs.umass.edu>, asteg@k12.ucs.umass.edu
(Albert Steg (Winsor School) writes:

> > I had thought maybe it was the light from a farrie, you
> > know  like tinkerbell, taking kate into a different dimension.  I
> > also  considered it to be Dr. Bush, using a pen light, looking
> > into Kate's eyes  to see if she is conscious.  I've also
> > considered to be the moon, a  flare, a lighthouse.
> 
> Following the situation of a person somehow stranded in the ocean
> overnight, waiting for the dawn, the "little light" is the
> battery-operated pen-light attached to life-jackets to help rescuers
> find the survivors.

The literal meaning does, of course, work quite well. But I think it's also
likely (or at least a legitimate reading) that there are metaphorical meanings
as well. Ken's choices of the doctor's penlight and the moon work very well in
this sense, as I think my "white light/death's door" does, if we consider that
said death is still a ways off at the beginning of the story. (Indeed, all
these meanings can work simultaneously - nice work, Ms. Bush!) Kate has
discussed the literal storyline, but I think she's telling another story with
that story. As you say, though, grasping the details of the literal story is
important for a better understanding of the "deeper" meanings. :)

Peter Stoller