I thought your first response was right on target! You made a really good point about the first-person narrative, and I also agree that Kevin McCarthy was excellent. And although I postulate on the idea of the creature as a metaphor for the hero\'s dark side, I like the fact that she leaves it open at the end. Makes it creepier. I actually also imagine that the creature might be lurking out there in the dark like a big spider. When I first heard that amazing description of the creature as a kid, I couldn\'t sleep for days! Good stuff!