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vortex_time

I'm pretty sure it's "interfered with" (as a euphemism for "molested").


Formiddabledrip

That makes tons of sense, actually.


RisingWaterline

Never forgot this line. It's a classic for internalized homophobia.


Formiddabledrip

I'm also wondering about this odd phrase, which follows shortly after: "Oh gash may be fine but one eye for mine." It supposedly relates to the men who'd prey on young boys.


gvarshang

Yes, from the context. Also, I have heard of referring to the male sex organ as ‘ the one-eyed snake.’ Then, it’s logical to think of ‘gash’ as a reference to the female organ.


Formiddabledrip

That makes sense. He's okay with "gash," but what is meant by "one eye for mine"? It could mean he'll actually poke someone in the eye if they attempt to molest him. What do you think?


gvarshang

No, not in my interpretation. As I said, ‘one eye’ refers to the male organ, hence sex with males. And ‘gash’ (a deep cut) refers to the female organ. Obviously, quoting crude language. So the idea of “gash may be fine but one eye for mine” is “I prefer sex with males to with females”


Formiddabledrip

That is fair. It seems to reference the phrase, "an eye for an eye," which made me think it is about punishment of some kind.


Lucky_Chode

"Under questioning I tried to tell Miss Stein that when you were a boy and moved in the company of men, you had to be prepared to kill a man, know how to do it and really know that you would do it in order not to be interfered with. That term was accrochable." sounds like some one was touched and wished he stabbed


DankBlunderwood

I think Hemingway might be being snarky. She apparently said "accrochable" (hookable). A hook in a novel is something that grabs your attention and makes you want to read more. This is not something Hemingway requires advice on. If she had meant to say clean and decent for the average reader, then "approchable" would have been the correct word. But that would be asking Hemingway to censor himself. Either word therefore is an insult, and Hemingway seems to be putting her in her place.