Posted by Vita on August 07, 1998 at 21:37:25:
In Reply to: Duncan's Lie posted by Marcia on August 07, 1998 at 21:18:34:
: Dear MMMMM, you wrote:
: If Duncan wanted to impress Cora or was jealous of her attention to Hawkeye, why would he have told a lie that he KNEW she would recognize as such, and thereby destroy any chance he had with her?:
Well, he did because for that one moment, he acted as a cad. Nothing noble about what he did. He was jealous and wanted to hit her where it hurt. I don't think he did this deliberately, rather, he striked out in pain.
You suggested : If he tells his lie because he believes it is in the best interest of the Crown, it makes perfect sense.:
Of course it makes perfect sense. Though not a Gentleman, it makes him a Loyal, Dedicated Officer, which in that case, Cora as well as I, would have to forgive him. But I believe it was you who voiced a similar sentiment earlier, that we all draw our own conclusions when we watch something... anyhow, next time you have a minute (!) to watch LOTM, check out that scene and watch the play of his eyes... does he not look at her a split second before he does the dastardly deed? To me, I felt her face telegraphed her expectation that he would side with Duncan, and he got terribly hurt. It's possible that an Englishman of his caliber would not consciously attribute his motives to jealousy. Oh no. I am sure he thought he was doing it for the Crown. Though his lie did not serve the Crown either.
That's why the scene where he offers himself in her stead (for the fire) he takes on an even grander nobility (in my eyes at least). When you watched the scene where he offers himself, and Hawkeye asks "Did you tell them (that I'll take the fires)" and he replies, "I did." I think he lied there, too. I don't think Duncan translated Hawkeye's offer to the Sachem.
I watched it several times, and saw no evidence that he did.
Am I right or wrong?
Cordially,
V.