It is a pleasant surprise to hear from you again, Amili. I have been around. Lately, I haven’t posted as many comments as in the past. I have posted a two-part story…
…and am working on a series describing my adventures as an itinerant wanderer years ago.
“Who is he defying?”
He is expressing defiance of Ossiana’s expressed expectations of men.
One can be defiant or resistant to another’s expressed expectations without being angry. I, myself, have expressed defiance without anger. Here is an example:
Anger by itself is a futile form of protest since it is easy to ignore or dismiss. When someone makes demands of another or expresses expectations, defiance is an effective means of protest against such demands or expectations. It leaves the demands or expectations unmet.
Ignoring demands or expectations is also effective.
In this case, Ossiana’s characterizing Highnoteofrome’s comment as “angry” is a tactic. It allows her to dismiss criticism without having to construct a substantial rebuttal. She can portray the criticism as meaningless and without merit, thereby relieving her of the burden of constructing a rebuttal. It can be an effective tactic, but it doesn’t work with those of us who can see through it.
A smart-aleck remark (or, as you call it, “sarcasm”) can be an effective form of criticism. It can vividly illustrate the flaws in an argument. I, myself, have trouble resisting the urge to offer a smart-aleck retort when the opportunity presents itself.
Here is an example:
My wife says that my father should have named me “Alex.” When she responds, “Okay, Alex!” to a remark I have made, I know exactly what she means.
I sense no anger or fear in the comment from Highnoteofrome. Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with an angry response. Anger can be a force that motivates action. It can inspire a person to act against a perceived injustice.
I want to take a moment to thank you for recommending the Octavia Butler trilogy “Lilith’s Brood.” I was able to find a copy. I finished reading it a couple of years ago. It is a masterpiece of science fiction.
