Why exactly is Miles living with Mrs. McGee? Other then he is renting a room it seems like someone his age would be out on his own. He even as a relationship with her more like a brother and sister. Why is he here?

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2000

Answers

I haven't read very far into the story yet, but it seems to me that Miles has become so settled into his somewhat dull existence that he doesn't feel the need (or maybe the motivation) to make a big change like that. It also does seem like Miss McGee and Miles have a strong bond, something like siblings, but I think Miss McGee is a bit of a mother figure too.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

I think Miles is used to staying with Mrs. McGee. It is a normal routine in his life, just like the rest of it. I think Miles would be lonely if he didn't live with someone. Miles isn't married, so he is living with a good friend and mother-like figure.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

I agree with the first two answers, sort of. I think McGee is a mother figure. I also think that Miles hasn't got enough get-up-and- go to go. If his mother were still alive, I believe he'd be living with her. He's safe with his old school teacher. He has someone around to cook for him, take care of him and talk to without having to actually put any effort into having an intimate relationship with a woman. Everyone's seen the 45 year old son who's mother dotes on him, the one who brings Jello to church socials, never marries & grows too old before their time. I get that impression from Miles.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

I agree with a lot of the other answers. Miles is very set in his ways. He probably first moved into Miss McGee's when he moved there with the idea that the arrangement would be temp. But Miles setteled into his life and taking the time, or even having the need, to find a new house was just too much.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2000

I think that Miles does not move out because he respects living with Mrs. McGee. He has a house and meals provided for him which makes his life easier. It is also a queit place for him to grade papers yet is not lonely because of the company that Mrs. McGee provides.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2000