I just noticed a parallel between Rents’ relationship with Hazel and his use of heroin. As we were discussing in class, heroin is an unacceptable thing to be dependent on, but there exist other socially accepted ones, such as Rents’ mom’s vicodin, or Begbie’s alcohol. But there’s a bit of irony here because although Rents’ relationship with Hazel may seem socially acceptable, he talks about all the ways in which it is not normal, despite how it seems to the external world. Perhaps he is drawing a comparison to say something about the socially accepted drugs?
And I’m also curious about the use of the word “us” when Rents refers to himself. He’ll begin talking in the first person using the word “I” and “me,” but will then use “us” all within the same sentence. Has anyone noticed this and care to explain? Maybe there are situations where he takes on two personalities?
Jessie–good eye for detail here. British colloquial speech often substitutes a first-person plural for a singular.