In a message dated 12/6/2007 10:50:57 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

It is  surprising to hear someone say otherwise, as you do here,  and I
doubt
if I am the only person who read your dismissive response with the  same
thought.

Professor Bush, I am gratified that I could say anything which would
surprise you. My response was not intended to be dismissive. I regret you
took  it as
such. I've just posted a somewhat more expansive view of my  position--which
is simply, that one must consult the writer's stated intention  when
speculating about the motivations of fictional characters--especially in
such cases as
Clemens, where the historical record is high, wide and deep. And  thank you
as well for the compliment that my remarks sound like a  non-teacher. Now,
back
to Jim--do his protestations in the last section of the  book reflect his
(and thus Twain's) homophobic orientation based on his hatred  for his
father and
his desire to kill Orion? SEE Andy Hoffman, Fanning, etc.