Colm Tóibín Reads Tobias Wolff
Summary
Deborah Treisman and guest Kolm Tóibín discuss Tobias Wolf’s 2005 short story “Awaiting Orders,” focusing on Sergeant Morse, a gay soldier navigating secret relationships under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The conversation explores how Morse’s rigid military structure contrasts with his risky, fleeting desires, particularly his complex encounter with the sister of a soldier he once desired. Tóibín analyzes the story’s themes of loneliness, the fear of exposure, and the difficulty of maintaining stable relationships when one’s desires are driven by risk and ambiguity.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Rocket Mortgage
Introduction to Tobias Wolf's 'Awaiting Orders'
Sponsor: The Political Scene Podcast
Sponsor: Bon Appétit Bake Club
Sponsor: Vanity Fair Fair Game
Discussion on Wolf's writing style and clarity
Context: The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' era
Reading begins: Morse's phone call
Reading: Introduction of Billy Hart and Morse's attraction
Reading: Morse's military life and the lieutenant
Reading: Morse's relationship with Dixon and the call
Reading: Meeting Julian and Charlie at the pancake house
Reading: Julian's situation and the family atmosphere
Reading: Morse's internal conflict and Julian's smile
Reading: The storm, refusal of help, and departure
Analysis: Morse's desire for order vs. wildness
Analysis: The nature of Morse's attraction to Billy
Analysis: Fear of exposure and performing gayness
Analysis: Julian's unpredictability and Morse's motives
Analysis: Shame, risk-taking, and the lack of reciprocity
Analysis: Stability vs. the wild shadow in relationships
Analysis: The final image of Charlie in the rain
Analysis: Broader themes of concealment and context
Conclusion: Awaiting orders and final thoughts
Guest Bio: Colm Tóibín
Credits and Outro
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