Control over the infection: Eli v Virginia

[drakkar]

Depends on how integrated the infection is in the person, and if the communication can go both ways. There are examples of Eli communicating with the infection (thinking claws), perhaps Håkans libido has engraved the infection somewhat. Anyway, I agree it's a long shot.

That said, JAL said somewhwere on the board that the entire zombie-Håkan subplot was a plot device to be sure to win the reader over at Eli's side in the pool scene (he does murder at least one kid, after all).

[metoo]

Eli had explained that the old man was ... infected. More than that. The infection was the only thing that was alive. The brain was dead, and the infection controlled him. Towards Eli.

I realize this is Oskar thinking here, but that does not make any sense. The infection does not want to rape Eli, Håken wants to rape Eli. What ever is left of Håken is looking for Eli.

Well, it only says that Håkan's brain was dead, not his lust. Håkan was in a way similar to Eli, part human, part monster. Just as the human part of a vampire can be killed while the vampire monster sustains, Håkan's monster apparently was able to survive through the aid of the infection. Viewed that way, it does make sense.

It occurs to me that Eli's desire to go and check on Tommy is a plot contrivance to bring Eli back together with his old pal Håken.

Yes, of course. But inside the story, it shows Eli's compassion.

[metoo]

To me, Eli is as disappointed at Oskar's refusal as Oskar was at Eli turning down the proffered candy.

Not very much, then.
But I don't get the felling that Eli was disappointed when I read that part. Eli's hesitant way of asking makes me think that he didn't really expect Oskar to say yes. Perhaps Eli realised that it was wishful thinking on his part. Still he dared to ask, his need for a companion was so profound.

I can't help seing both desperation and concern in Eli's actions. Eli is reluctant to lose a friend, yes, however he also is concerned about Oskar becoming alone after he is gone. Eli seems to think that being alone is fundamentally worse than being a vampire, and that rings trough in this passage.

Eli also showed a portion guilt. It was a tall order, and he knew it.

I think drakkar might be on to something here. Loneliness is worse than being a vampire.

By the way, this I think would be the main reason for the scarcity of vampires. Not any abhorrence for killing people, but the horror of utterly loneliness. Most people wouldn't stand it for long, and would soon end their misery.

The time he beats her (lucky for him she didn't fight back) and the sadistic refusal to invite her in when she comes to the door. He is willing to sacrifice her well being to his own cruelty.

I see more curiosity and recklessness than cruelty in Oskars actions. But you're right, he would kill somebody if he really felt he needed to and could - same as Eli.

I agree, Oskar wasn't (intentionally) cruel, just thoughtless and perhaps insensitive. Besides, he didn't know. Eli did, though, but instead of explaining, he entered uninvited. I think he wanted to give Oskar a lesson, and quite a harsh one too, I'd say. Not very nice of him, really. Eli could be just as thoughtless and cruel as Oskar.

[drakkar]

I don't see any disappointment in Eli's reply,

Not the reply, I was thinking about Eli whispering against the ceiling "why can't I have anything". When he was planning to go away and "start anew".

By the way, this I think would be the main reason for the scarcity of vampires. Not any abhorrence for killing people, but the horror of utterly loneliness. Most people wouldn't stand it for long, and would soon end their misery.

My view also.

[metoo]

I don't see any disappointment in Eli's reply,

Not the reply, I was thinking about Eli whispering against the ceiling "why can't I have anything". When he was planning to go away and "start anew".

Well, that part was referring to the quote of Alice?Maybe's posting. I should had put it there, and I will edit now...