The ten year olds appear to have been convinced that Darrell was the one using the microphone and speaker (amplifier not shown) to express himself, and that he is now reporting back to Doris. And I admit that was my first impression too. However, could it be that Doris was expressing herself from the porch, and Darrell, whether husband or neighbor, has taken it upon himself to let her know when to stop? After all, she is standing with some sort of manuscript in her hand. Notes for a speech, notes on a musical stave (Doris is well known for her commanding alto), a manifesto of some sort? I’m just offering an alternative. I often think ambiguity is intentionally present in these chronicles of Ballard Street, so why not openly consider it?
The ten year olds appear to have been convinced that Darrell was the one using the microphone and speaker (amplifier not shown) to express himself, and that he is now reporting back to Doris. And I admit that was my first impression too. However, could it be that Doris was expressing herself from the porch, and Darrell, whether husband or neighbor, has taken it upon himself to let her know when to stop? After all, she is standing with some sort of manuscript in her hand. Notes for a speech, notes on a musical stave (Doris is well known for her commanding alto), a manifesto of some sort? I’m just offering an alternative. I often think ambiguity is intentionally present in these chronicles of Ballard Street, so why not openly consider it?