Forever Gold
To the Editors:
Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda are not just "golden oldies" [Nov. 16]; they are pure gold and always have been.
Cynthia Evans La Selva Beach, Calif.
You evoked poignancy, not just for Hepburn and Fonda, but for all who inevitably face aging. Their example reminds us to grow old in a generous and spirited fashion, with achievements we can be proud of right down to the end.
Linda Lashbrook Fanwood, N.J.
Years ago, Dorothy Parker made an accurate analysis of Hepburn's acting ability: "She ran the whole gamut of emotions from A to B." Today she has trouble getting beyond A. Fonda has been able to avoid her until now; he too must be slowing down.
Paul O. Powers North Plainfield, N.J.
Katharine Hepburn's picture on your cover is remarkable. In that face is sensitivity, warmth, strength and a mighty spirit that none of life's vicissitudes has dampened.
Larry Hyman New York City
Bell's Background
As president of a minority executive-search firm, I have much to lose if someone with the conservative bent of William Bell becomes head of the EEOC [Nov. 16]. However, Mr. Bell should be judged on his capacity to do the job, not on such factors as whether his firm's number is listed in the phone directory.
Lionel M. Stevens New York City
Wasn't it Candidate Reagan who assured us that he would fill positions of responsibility with people from the world of business; people who "would be taking a step down" to assume the job? Isn't Bell's nomination just taking care of another political IOU?
Glen York Ocean Park, Me.
Fathoming Foucault
Our Government officials could learn a lesson from French Philosopher-Historian Michel Foucault's process of reversing questions [Nov. 16]. Instead of asking why industry must endure "burdensome" regulations, Federal authorities should turn the question around and ask why were the rules enacted in the first place? They will find that the regulated industries, on the whole, refused to act in a responsible manner.
Keith Peterson Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Mercy for Mustangs
"Chasing the Mustangs" [Nov. 16] is written from the point of view of humans who are having an exciting time corralling these magnificent animals. The horses hardly have a chance against helicopters and "steel traps." These creatures are a reminder of our free-roaming heritage. They should be left to enjoy their lives in peace.
Wayne Johnson Seattle
Nattering About Nabokov
The review of Fredson Bowers' book on Vladimir Nabokov's lectures [Nov. 16] reminded me of the extraordinary final exam I took 24 years ago in Nabokov's course at Cornell. All his students were aware of his emphasis on "the word, the expression . . . not ideas" and, consequently, had read Tolstoy's Anna Karenina with great care. However, very few of us were prepared for questions like "Describe Vronsky's last glimpse of Anna" (dead under the wheels of a train), and the "trick" question: "What color paint was on the walls of the room where Anna was sick?" (no paint at all—there was wallpaper).
Donald M. Gleklen Newtown Square, Pa.