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The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain
Novellas and Collaborative Works
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The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain (hosted by Petra)
Greg wrote: "I'm enjoying experiencing the redemption of these good people, but I still felt confused about how Millie was doing it. Since it was bothering me, I went back to look at the actual words the phanto..."Greg, thanks for clarifying the words of the Phantom. It makes Millie's power more understandable.
Greg wrote: "I wonder why the phantom wouldn't tell Redlaw that though. Maybe he wanted Redlaw to act on faith without having it all explained to him?..."Thank you, Greg, for going back to clarify Milly's abilities.
I went back and reread that section, too. I had to laugh at myself for the assumptions I'd made the first time......or how Dickens made it seem that Milly could not reverse the gift to fool us. One does have to read Dickens very carefully. LOL.
Redlaw has come full circle. At the beginning of the story he was full of doubt and grief; and thinking only of his pain. Now he's got faith and determination to get help for those he's harmed; and not thinking of himself.
Greg wrote: "So I guess that must be what is happening. Milly is not even aware of her power to rectify things, but her simple goodness is setting things right nevertheless.."Thank you for going back and re-reading that, Greg. I like your idea about why Milly is able to do all this healing. That sounds right to me.
I also like your thought about Redlaw acting on faith. Now that you mention "faith" my mind goes in all kinds of directions. For a small word, "faith" is a really big concept. We usually think of faith in connection to God, or religion. But it doesn't have to be limited to that. For example, one can also have faith that tomorrow will be a better day . . . which is really the feeling of hope. And the lack of faith in any of these ideals can lead to despair, which is certainly what Redlaw was experiencing at the beginning of the story.
So perhaps, finding his way back to his humanity MUST involve finding his way back to faith as well.
Yes, thank you, Greg, on the clarification of what the Phantom actually told Redlaw about Milly's abilities. I love that Milly is unaware of her influence on people. That does preserve her goodness and humility.And, Petra, thank you for this: "Peter, at first I thought that touching another person was the way the gift was given. But I soon realized this wasn't so and it was a way of showing connection. Redlaw, keeping his distance from everyone, is isolated from this simple connection between people.". When I read the passage where "Redlaw laid his hand upon the shoulder of the child", something was really going off in my head, but I couldn't figure out what until I read your explanation, Petra. Psychologically and emotionally, people really do need the touch of other people. It is what connects us to one another! I really do believe Redlaw's isolation is what led to his pact with the Phantom, and it took his observation of Milly with others to make him realize the healing power of touch.
I am really dying to know what Redlaw's redemption will look like.
My thanks also, Greg, for the insight into the phantom's reaction to Redlaw's questions. I felt as if the goodness of Milly simply could not be excluded by anything or anybody. She represents all that is pure and forgiving. She doesn't even have one moment of anger or insult when the student turns on her, and her only concern when her family begins to succumb is to seek help for THEM. If you have ever been in the presence of a truly good and selfless person (my grandmother was one), you will know that the influence is palpable. I was so encouraged when Redlaw walked with his arm linked in Milly's. I am also anxious to see what Redlaw will be when he is released from this curse that he has put upon himself.
Looks like we're all rooting for Redlaw.
Summary 9 - The Gift ReversedShe reminded Redlaw of the man who had once been his friend and was on the verge of committing suicide. She had followed the man, the previous evening, and found him not a moment too soon.
He lifted his hand from the boy and placed it on Milly’s hand.
This man was Edmund’s father. Redlaw could not remember him because he’d been done a wrong by him once. The man has been separated from his son and wife for many years, since his son was an infant. Since then he’s become more and more downtrodden until he was the wreck that he was today.
Milly went out of the room and brought the man back with her. Redlaw recognizes him as the man who fled George’s room the other night. Redlaw stared at the man but did not recall him from the past. Milly got down low again and looked again into Redlaw’s face.
Would he not be filled with pity for the state that this man had fallen to if he could recollect the love he once felt for him? Redlaw believed that he would, and his eyes moved to the man, but quickly returned to her face.
Milly continues and tells him that she believes it’s important to recall when a wrong is done to us so that we can forgive it. If Redlaw’s memory were to one day return, would it not be a blessing to immediately remember a wrong and forgive it?
He glanced at the man again, then back to Milly’s face. Her face shone with brighter radiance than before.
She tells him that the man cannot go back to his family and the best he can do is stay away from them. A small amount of money would allow him to leave the area and live distantly and do no more wrong. This would be best for the wife and the son, who would never need to know about the situation. The man himself may find his salvation.
Redlaw said he believed in Milly and would do this. Milly is to give the man the money and tell him that Redlaw would gladly forgive him, if he were only to recall what for. Milly rose and turned to look at the man, who came to Redlaw, eyes looking down, and thanked Redlaw. He continued that he might have been a different man if he’d not made that first mistake. Redlaw’s sister was at peace, a peace she couldn’t have had with him. He begs Redlaw to be as merciful towards him in thought one day, as he was being today in his deeds.
He headed for the door, then stopped. He tells Redlaw that he hopes Redlaw will show an interest in his son, because from this day forth, he’d never set eyes on his son himself again.
As he left the room, he raised his eyes to Redlaw for the first time and gazed steadily at him. Redlaw dreamily held out his hand. The man returned to him and lightly touched Redlaw’s hand with both of his. Then bending his head, he left the room. Milly followed to show him to the gate.
In those few moments, Redlaw, covered his face with his hands. Milly found his thus when she returned with William and Philip. She left him undisturbed and knelt to put warm clothing on the boy.
I finished this section in tears. Forgiveness might be the most important instruction and the greatest gift God has given us. It is not easy to forgive a deep hurt, with some people it seems impossible, but it is the only way to be free of it. I was so happy for Redlaw, that even without knowing the wrong he gives his aid in the faith that if he could remember what to forgive, he would wish to forgive it. Sweet Milly ministers to everyone...her last act here is putting warm clothing on the child.
Sara, I also felt the heart strings during this section. That Redlaw would find peace makes me happy. He's been through so much turmoil and distress. He's finding a path through his gift that will give him serenity even without his memories. He'll miss them and feel the void but he'll be surrounded by peace, serenity and friends, while having faith in his future. That's a big win in Life.
I feel a little confused after reading the section today. I love the message about forgiveness. It really is the only way to find true peace and its a beautiful thing. But has Redlaw truly achieved forgiveness of Mr. Longford? Since he can't remember who Longford is, or what he did so long ago, the forgiveness he grants, feels hollow to me. He's just following Milly's guidance. Admittedly that's a great step forward for Redlaw, but it doesn't really strike me as forgiveness. But, the story isn't over yet, so maybe there is more coming that will make Redlaw's forgiveness of Longford feel true.The other thing that bothers me is that Longford is sent away. I understand that his presence would cause pain to his wife and son, but doesn't that deny them of the chance to forgive him, and find their own peace?
Bridget, I think there is forgiveness in Redlaw for his friend. In the sense that, should he remember, he swears not to have the blame focussed on him as he did in the past. I think Redlaw has learned that letting the past go is the answer to one's peace and forgiveness is part of letting the past go.As for Longford, he's been away from his family since Edmund was a baby. They've forged a life without him. Having him back in their lives after all these years may be more disruptive to peace and forgiveness than him just staying away as he has been for the past (approx) 20 years.
From what Edmund has portrayed of himself, he's a cheerful guy. Therefore, he and his mother must have forgiven the father many years ago, I think.
Petra wrote: "Summary 9 - The Gift ReversedShe reminded Redlaw of the man who had once been his friend and was on the verge of committing suicide. She had followed the man, the previous evening, and found him ..."
Again, thank you for pointing out the presence and how and what a hand suggests. As we near the end of the book I believe we will see, more and more, the connection between ACC and ‘The Ghost’s Bargain.’ In ACC when one takes a close look at how Leech’s illustrations features the importance of hands it is evident that the verbal and visual signifiers work in close harmony which each other. As 21C readers we have, to a great extent, lost our ability to read images and thus historical comprehension.
In ‘The Ghost's Bargain’ because of the multiple illustrators it is much more difficult to follow the arc of the story through the illustrations. However, your inclusion of so many illustrations from different illustrators throughout our look at this book has given us a wonderful insight into the beauty and importance of illustrations in a novel.
Thank you, Peter. I love all the illustrations that are from this book. I did miss a few and have collected them for Thursday.
Tomorrow we'll finish the story and on Thursday I'll post The Gallery of Missed Illustrations. They'll be posted in order of the storyline, from beginning to the end.
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Off-topic this, if you want to skip it ...
Hands and pointing are all over Dickens' works, aren't they? Instead of giving examples, I'll just add an anecdote I found interesting. I have a book called Oliver Twist: The Official Companion to the ITV Drama Series (it's an extraordinary series which I'm rewatching at the moment). One chapter is interviews with various people involved and how the cast were called just when they had a scene to perform. Michael Kitchen played Mr Brownlow, and he had been called on set that day from where they were staying in Prague, just to film one close-up of his hand in a scene where he was taking tea. Apparently they are used to it, but I found it almost unbelievable. Now I wonder, since the writer/director Alan Bleasdale is such a Dickens fan, whether this was the reason for such close attention to a tiny detail.
So fascinating about Dickens and hands--I never realized, but will now be on the lookout.Bridget, I had the exact same confusion as you did after this chapter. I appreciate your thoughts on it, Petra. I have found this one of Dickens' most confusing/challenging Christmas stories, and I so appreciate to be reading it with the group! And I'm very much looking forward to those illustrations tomorrow ... :-)
Jean, I would have been interested in what was considered wrong about the first take of the "pouring of tea" scene and why there needed to be a retake of it. Very interesting information! Like Kathleen, I didn't know that about Dickens and will be watching for more descriptions of hands in Dickens' works.
Here we are at the end of the story. Kathleen, I found some scenes in this story confusing, too. It took some reading, and rereading, to sort through some of the actions. I suppose Dickens did this to show Redlaw's confusion about his state of mind and, perhaps, the depressing confusion of his memories. It's easy to get tied up in the sorrows and go astray; then trying to sort it all out is confusing.
Summary 10 - The Gift ReversedWilliam tenderly says that Milly is a natural mother. It may be for the best that they have no children but he sometimes wish she had one to love and cherish. Their stillborn child had left her quiet in manner.
She admits that she thinks of the child everyday. This memory is a comfort to her. The child an angel to her.
William tells her that she is an angel to him and his father.
When she thinks of the child that might have been, she’s filled with a great tenderness. When she sees a child in it’s mother’s arms, she loves that child, thinking that her child would have made her heart as happy and proud, too. When she sees a child in need or want, she thinks that perhaps her child might have become that and that it was spared that by its death.
Children are drawn to her and she feels that they feel the love between her and her child and understand why their love is so precious to her. Therefore, while she has been quiet, she’s happier in many ways. Not the least of which is the belief that if she lives a good life, she’ll be met in Heaven by an angel who calls her mother.
Redlaw fell to his knees and proclaimed that through her love, he’s remembered the story of Christ upon the Cross. He thanks her and blesses her.
Redlaw takes her into his arms. Milly laughs and cries, exclaiming that Redlaw has returned to himself.
Edmund enters, holding the hand of a beautiful girl, who’s hesitant to enter. Redlaw, seeing him and his love, and recalling his own past, hugs him close and implores them both to be his children.
As Christmas is the time to remember all wrongs, sorrows and troubles, he lay his hand on the sleeping boy and silently vowed to teach, protect and reclaim him.
He told Philip that on that day they would hold a dinner like only the ten poor men in the Dining Hall could have given and that as many of the Swinger family as could be brought would come together that Christmas day. And it was done.
So many Swidgers came, both adult and children. There was good news of George, too, who had been visited again by William, his father and Milly and been left in a peaceful, quiet sleep.
The Tetterbys, too, came to dinner.
It was sad to see the boy watching the children and not knowing how to talk or play with them. The youngest children, sensing the boy’s difference, approached him with soft words and presents to include him so that he wouldn’t be unhappy. But he stayed by Milly’s side and began to love her. The children loved Milly, too, and were glad that he loved her and that he began to peer around her skirts at them.
All this Redlaw saw, while sitting beside Edmund and his bride to be.
Some say that Redlaw only imagined this story; some say that he saw it in the fire on a twilight night. Others say that the ghost was his gloomy thoughts, while Milly was his wisdom.
The narrator says only this: as everyone was gathered in the old Hall, lit only by the fire, the shadows again stole out of the dark corners and danced on the walls, showing the children marvellous shapes and faces that became magical and wild.
There was one thing that Redlaw, Milly, William, Philip, Edmund and his bride-to-be often turned to which the shadows did not change: to the words written below the portrait of the bearded, ruffed man who looked down on them from under his holly wreath.
The Student and his Youthful Choice by Charles Green, 1895
The Christmas Dinner in the Great Hall by Clarkston Stanfield, 1848
The Founder's Portrait by Charles Green, 1912
Lord, Keep My Memory Green by Fred Barnard, 1878
I loved the ending, very moving to see things work out. I kind of expected that given that it was a Christmas story, but I enjoyed it nevertheless.Petra and Kathleen, I was confused at points as well, especially in the very beginning of the story. It was a little hard for me to figure out who the people all were and their relationships to each other. People were referred to in different ways, and some characters were introduced in ways that threw me at first, like the wild boy. I kept thinking he must have been mentioned earlier, and I almost confused him with the student staying over the holidays.
I had originally started this one on audio and abandoned that because I kept missing things. With a hard copy I could re-read sections and flip back when necessary much more easily. The hard copy made things much easier.
I would say I liked A Christmas Carol and The Chimes a bit better, but I definitely still enjoyed it. And reading it with the group helped a lot with the summaries and discussion. Having the illustrations was also lovely.
Thank you Petra!
Those first edition opening pages are beautiful!
I loved the ending too! Made me cry, and made me think that I'll remember the story when sad memories get me down. This was a beautiful, ghostly, journey, even if I did need frequent help to navigate it--thank you Petra and all! (Greg, I'd never have survived this on audio.) I still have a ton more Dickens to read, but I'm sad that we're through the Christmas stories.
Wonderful illustrations--thank you Petra! I think I like The Christmas Dinner best. When I made it bigger, I could see each of the children seated on the floor in front are drawn with a shadow. Hmmm ...
I loved the ending, too. It took me by surprise that Milly and William had lost a child. I didn't expect that. This loss & sorrow made Milly the healing angel that she was throughout this story. It's what gave her the power to bring the others through their ordeal with the gift.
I love that the boy found a home and will be loved. With this care, he'll begin to build his memories and start to find some happiness. I'm really happy for him. He's in good hands.
Redlaw has adopted a family and will not be alone anymore. With the boy and Edmund, his future wife and their future children, Redlaw will have some happy memories to look forward to soon.
I, too, had difficulties with the characters and who they were at the beginning of the story. As I was trying to write the summary, I just hoped that things sorted themselves out at some point. LOL. Thankfully, it did, I think.
Greg, the audio version would have been confusing. I also had to flip back at times to sort things out.
I liked this story. I think it's one of the better of Dickens' Christmas stories. Nothing matches A Christmas Carol but I think the other stories were all wonderful Holiday treats. It's a shame that they aren't read much anymore. I'm glad we read them together, here.
Either this afternoon or tonight I will post the Gallery of Missed Illustrations. Be back tomorrow for a few more illustrations.
What a wonderful conclusion to our story and the explanation of Milly's power is perfect. I loved that what Redlaw remembered was Christ on the cross, whose suffering is done to bring salvation to others.The boy, who will be saved by Redlaw, might help fill the void that Milly and William feel in not having their own child. No doubt she will show him what a mother is, something he has never known.
I particularly enjoyed this story and would count it, next to A Christmas Carol (which really always stands alone), as my favorite of the Christmas fare. I liked the complications. Also, I grew to love Green's illustrations.
Petra--thank you so much for the marvelous leadership and for finding all these wonderful visuals that made the story spring to life. I'll be back tomorrow to see the overflow!
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Noooo... Please don't be sad Kathleen! There are lots more Christmas stories by Dickens ... in fact Petra and I have already been discussing which ones to read next (we've read some collaborations, and had a break for this one.) It's just the first 5 Christmas books we are through - never fear. And more comments as well as Petra's gallery yet to come 😊
Bionic Jean wrote: "Kathleen wrote: " I'm sad that we're through the Christmas stories ..."Noooo... Please don't be sad Kathleen! There are lots more Christmas stories by Dickens ... in fact Petra and I have already..."
Yay!! 😊
Sara wrote: "What a wonderful conclusion to our story and the explanation of Milly's power is perfect. I loved that what Redlaw remembered was Christ on the cross, whose suffering is done to bring salvation to ..."Sara, I agree with everything you said in your post. This is one of my favorite Dickens Christmas novellas.
Do you think that Redlaw will save the boy? That's interesting.
While I see him as pivotal and playing a large part in the boy's happy future, I see Milly being the saving hand.
I think Dickens means, perhaps, to say that the boy's upbringing and his entire future lies not only with Redlaw or Milly but with every Swidger and person in the vicinity. It takes a village to raise a child.
So, while I see Milly and Redlaw as pivotal, they can't do it alone either and need their "village". The boy will grow strong, in all ways, and healthy.
Dickens ended this story perfectly.
Bionic Jean wrote: "Petra - Just see how you have brought this alive for everyone! I really can't thank you enough 😊"Jean, it's a joy to be here every Christmas for a delightful story with an amazing group of insightful, intelligent Dickens Lovers. I get so much enjoyment from these discussions and hearing others' thoughts and ideas.
Bionic Jean wrote: "Noooo... Please don't be sad Kathleen! There are lots more Christmas stories by Dickens ... in fact Petra and I have already been discussing which ones to read next..."LOL.....cat's out of the bag..... LOL...
Jean, I'm looking forward to what's to come.
Petra, thank you for continuing your wonderful tradition of leading a Christmas story. I appreciate all your effort, and enjoyed this delightful book. I always look forward to the illustrations, so tomorrow's extra illustrations should be a treat!
Thanks Petra for the wonderful job you did summarizing this story and adding the graphics. I don't envy you that one bit, and I am still trying to figure some things out. I found the psychology that Dickens seemed to be using in the story fascinating, though I did not have the time to study it. The closest I got to what I thought he was saying was-- that the memory of our earlier emotional traumas rather than joys allow us to empathize and feel compassion for the troubles of others which leads to our being able to give and assist them. The specific remembered injuries done to us by others can also be forgiven, again allowing us to aid them or get past our bitterness. So Dickens has rationalized this wonderful defense of the necessity for the memory of past hurts in that it allows us to feel and act in the benefit of others and "provide good will to all.". I don't know what everyone else got, but that was my take and I find it pretty good given the psychology of the time.
'
I do not have an explanation for the difficult prose. I do think it is meant to be convoluted and thick. Perhaps, Dickens was doing so for atmosphere; perhaps he felt it was the way to discuss the psychology. It did strike me that the author Henry James, used a similar dense prose later in the century, and while I can't suggest this influenced James, it does seem from this (and others) that at least they were drinking from the same spring. James went on to establish this type of prose as his signature.
We did not discuss much about this story as allegory, or I should say we king=d of avoided the term. Allegory is difficult for me and I think it is because it forces me to work harder. So thank you to everyone else for all the comments that took that workload off my shoulders.
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Petra~. Thank you so much for all the incredible work you have put into leading us through this Dickens read. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and love ALL of the illustrations you were able to find to enhance the story. I look forward to seeing your additional illustrations!As others have said, I also struggled with Dickens' prose in this story and felt unsure of my interpretation, so I have really appreciated your summaries, Petra, and everyone's insightful comments. I do have one final need for understanding what Dickens was saying. Towards the end, Dickens said regarding Redlaw:
Some people have said since, that he only thought what has been herein set down; others, that he read it in the fire, one winter night about the twilight time; others, that the Ghost was but the representation of his gloomy thoughts, and Milly the embodiment of his better wisdom. I say nothing.This passage confuses me, as Redlaw really did become a different person, he really did forget his past, and he did have an adverse effect on people he touched. This has really left me confused.
I do love Milly, and how she used the grief of losing her baby to help others in their pain. What a remarkable person she was! She added so much to this story of love and redemption. I'm so glad Dickens brought Milly and the boy together and as Petra said, he'll be able to build his memories. What a sweet thought we are left with!
Thank you, my fellow Dickensians! I have so enjoyed reading this story with all of you! And Jean and Petra, I look forward to seeing what surprise you have in store for us this next Christmas season.
Shirley, I think this is just the Christmas miracle, supernatural, element that Dickens loves to dangle before us. If he dreamed it (indeed, if Scrooge did), it had the same effect of touching his soul and making him a different man. This is the story the way Redlaw told it afterward. Are there ghosts? Do spirits visit and change men? I think Dickens is saying, "you decide...I know what I believe."
Thank you! I look forward to spending time with you all every Christmas. You all add insight and enjoyment to the stories that add to what I'd get out of reading it alone.
Sam, I like the idea that Dickens was using the convoluted prose as a way of showing/saying that memories aren't always clear. We all see memories differently than they may have occurred. In times of mental turmoil, one can be confused, one's thoughts can go in circles and never come to a conclusion, one can see things and overlook other things from the memory. It's chaos while one figures things out. Redlaw's thoughts were in turmoil. It took the Gift to make him start to see that and Milly to help him solidify his way of thinking.
I like your thoughts on the psychology that Dickens was using to portray that we need our bad memories in order to feel and, perhaps, be human.
I've avoided the allegory subject. LOL. It's not something I have a lot of knowledge about or see easily. I suppose if there is an allegory here, we've found it in our interpretation that the Past is important and shouldn't be forgotten. It helps us, rather than hinders us, no matter the pain it may cause.
Bionic Jean wrote: "Oops sorry Petra! 😳 I just know how much everyone looks forward to these, and didn't want anyone else to feel a pang that they were ending. They will just metamorphose, won't they? I love how we ha..."LOL....not a problem, Jean. I was kidding. I'm glad that we all look forward to another Holiday together.
Shirley, this ending reminded me of the nebulous, dreamy ending of The Cricket on the Hearth, where we didn't know what had truly happened. I think Sara hit it on the nail. I like the idea that Dickens was asking us if we believed that Spirits existed and could change people's outlook IF the person truly wanted it.
Sara wrote: "Shirley, I think this is just the Christmas miracle, supernatural, element that Dickens loves to dangle before us. If he dreamed it (indeed, if Scrooge did), it had the same effect of touching his ..."Thank you, Sara! I should have remembered how many elements are similar to ACC, such as whether the reader believed in the possibility of spirits visiting Scrooge. In both cases, Dickens gave us a wonderful miracle of Christmas story! And just as we were warmed by the possibility of Tiny Tim being restored to health, here Dickens gave us the possibility of the poor child being redeemed. A beautiful story!
This story certainly reminds us that it is often in sorrow and loss when we come closest to our rawest emotions and discover that loss is what makes us most human.Do we, as Milly, find a place in our being when loss is converted to compassion, or do we need to discover that we have compassion through other means?
Whatever their answer is, I will miss this time we have spent together. What an experience to share this book with you all.
Petra, you were a delight as a moderator and I eagerly await our next shared exploration.
Petra wrote: "Shirley, this ending reminded me of the nebulous, dreamy ending of The Cricket on the Hearth, where we didn't know what had truly happened. I think Sara hit it on the nail. I like t..."
Thank you, Petra! I didn't see your response until after I posted mine. I love the condition you mentioned which was a part of Redlaw's redemption "IF the person truly wanted it." That was such an important part of this story!
I've never read The Cricket on the Hearth, I'm ashamed to say. I must remedy that very soon. ☺️
Peter wrote: "Petra, you were a delight as a moderator and I eagerly await our next shared exploration...."
Peter, thank you! I couldn't do it without the participation of such great readers who joined me on this journey. Dickens also helps by being his marvelous self.
Thank you very much! I'm glad we all had this time together here.
Shirley (stampartiste) wrote: "I've never read The Cricket on the Hearth, I'm ashamed to say. I must remedy that very soon. ☺️..."
Shirley, when you do read it, please share your views in the group read thread. The first few comments take you to the discussion in daily installments, just as we did here.
Looking forward to your comments.
Gallery of Missed IllustrationsThe following are illustrations I found after the section of their story was posted. I thought it would be fun to see them all here after finishing the novella.
As He Leaned his Arm Upon the Elbow of his Chair, Ruminating before the Fire by Felix O.C. Darley, 1861
Dickensians!
Books mentioned in this topic
American Notes for General Circulation (other topics)No Thoroughfare (other topics)
The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain (other topics)
The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain (other topics)
The Cricket on the Hearth (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Charles Dickens (other topics)Michael Kitchen (other topics)
Alan Bleasdale (other topics)
Fred Barnard (other topics)
Sol Eytinge Jr (other topics)
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Peter, at first I thought that touching another person was the way the gift was given. But I soon realized this wasn't so and it was a way of showing connection. Redlaw, keeping his distance from everyone, is isolated from this simple connection between people.