Date: Thu, 17 Sep 1998 22:59:24 -0400
From: Bill Edwards 
To: Ernst Meyer 
Subject: Re: Die Andere (2)

Ernst Meyer wrote:

> I would very much like to talk with you about any aspects of the book
> that might interest you. Whether we should get together in Harvard Square,
> in my office, or in my home in Belmont, shall be entirely at your discretion.
> I have very few professional obligation in the next several weeks, but
> beginning Monday, I do have workmen coming to Belmont to demolish an existing
> porch and to build a foundation for a larger annex to my house, and I
> believe, at least initially, I should be there to supervise their doings.
> But in the evenings and on weekends I should have plenty of time.
> My only concern is that you not spend more time reading the novel,
> or for that matter, discussing it with me, than is worth your while.
> Of course that is a question I must not even try to answer.

Thanks very much for your mail--I'm greatly enjoying reading the novel, and I
look forward to talking to you about that and other subjects.   I have been
talking about the novel with my wife  from time to time.  On one level, Die
Andere is giving my German, which I do not exercise enough, a great workout.  It
also is speaking to me on another level--I just read the chapter on the concert
in Sanders Theater, which moved me (which piece did you have in mind there?).
I feel that for those reasons, and others, reading the novel is highly
worthwhile.

The only literary exercises in which I engage these days are little homilies
that I give at the Episcopal church that I attend (St. Peter's, Central
Square)--I am actually signed up to do one of these at church this coming
Wednesday.  In the best Anglican fashion, I do try at least to jump off from the
Scripture readings for the day.  That and leading adult education at St. Peter's
are what I do with my M. Div. at this point.  I can still read New Testament
Greek tolerably.  I think Doehring really does exemplify Agape, and is rightly
called the Saint (in the best sense of the word).  Of course, he is human, also.

I picked up my new glasses tonight, and they seem to be working out really
well.  I am glad I opted for the more traditional bifocals.

I was wondering if it would be easiest If I came  by your office next Thursday
(9/24) at around 6 PM.   We could then go get something somewhere along that
stretch of Mass Ave., if that seemed enjoyable.    Let me know if that date and
time are not convenient (it may be a little short notice, or too late).  -- Bill
Edwards

PS  I'm not sure whether I gave you the URL for my home page:

http://people.ne.mediaone.net/wse

This does need updating, but might tell you more about me

==========================

Just this morning the excavating contractor telephoned me
to say: "I am putting you off for a week." This means that
Monday, Tuesday and Friday of next week are wholly free.
On Thursday I do have some patients scheduled, presently
the last one at 4:30. Afterwards, I want to drive my wife,
who works in the office, home to Belmont.  If on Thursday
you came to my office at 6 p.m., you could then accompany
us to Belmont and there we could find something to eat,
and or return to Cambridge, as you wished. Alternatively,
we could meet at my office on Monday, Tuesday or Friday
at 6 p.m. (or any other time) and proceed as you suggested.

The music performed in Sanders Theatre was Bach's Wedding Cantata
"Gott ist unsere Zuversicht", BWV 197.

Your perception of Doehring as a man blessed (or afflicted)
with agape it very persuasive. I had not thought of him that way.
Your comment raises in my mind the questions whether agape and eros
might not be mutually exclusive and to what extent it might be
this mutual exclusion which inspires the incest taboo.

I expect to visit your web site later today.
Ernst Meyer

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