I don't suppose we'll ever agree about: 'total lack of engagement with critical discourse.' But we certainly can over: 'disengagement with life.' And on the question of narcissism I have to say, Camille, what a great pleasure it is to feel oneself surfing along on the same Bondi wave as yourself. Not all that common an experience but none the less exhilarating for that. (I'm intrigued, incidentally, that you attribute your admirable Freudian exposition to Nabakov. The last time I heard you quote him he seemed rather more dismissive of the old man's insights.) Scottie B.