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.