yes this is my first post in 8 months, but if there's any fans of the secret history out there please make yourself heard because i feel crazy for this
i'm on my second read of the secret history (rookie numbers, i know) and i've now passed the scene where francis finds richard in his room and "matters progress." i remember when i first read the book, i dreaded reaching this part after having it spoiled since i had grown fond of francis (which i still am) and assumed that his behavior was viewed in a negative light. i know much has been said about the scene and richard's position in it, but this admittedly more careful reread has me seeing it in a different way.
while he absolutely was intoxicated and having a generally unpleasant time (considering the events of the afternoon & evening before), was richard not mostly conscious during his interaction with francis? i guess through the opinions of others, i had remembered the scene as francis taking advantage of richard while he's practically immobile and incoherent, and that he had no choice in kissing him.
i can't help but feel like richard, although surprised, definitely had a part in it. and furthermore, i think that richard was probably able to at least create some distance between them instead of continuing to kiss him?? he was aware to stop only when there was a knock at the door, after all.
so why, then, do most readers tend to use this scene as evidence to label francis' behavior "predatory"? this examination of his character tends to rub me the wrong way anyways considering the setting and circumstances of the book, but it does seem the general consensus. is it due to richard's stance as an unreliable narrator? or what both parties have to say about the incident later?
i can't tell if i missed some dialogue or if i'm just blinded by liking francis as a character. let me know if i sound absolutely insane
