[Steve Dunlap]

This is kind of a continuation of an older thread, regarding the demon's use of Latin and French when Karras is recording the second meeting with Regan/Pazuzu.

 

The part where Father Karras splashes the “tap water” on Regan, and the demon reacts violently….I've always wondered at this point, who was frakking with whom?  (Sorry, Battlestar Galactica fan here :)  ).

Was Karras messing with a weak-minded demon?  Or was the demon simply putting on a show for Karras, to give him doubts about recommending a full on exorcism?

I am given to the notion that the demon was messing with Karras.  The demon planned on staying inside Regan “until she rots and lies stinking in the earth”.  The demon has some interesting angles to work here.

 

1.  Giving Father Karras doubts about invoking an exorcism, per his line “Holy water is blessed, and that doesn't help support a case for possession.”

2.  Knowing full well that there is really only one true, earthbound match for itself, Father Lankester Merrin.  The demon wanted revenge, and in its devious machinations, knew that the results it gave Karras would inevitably call Merrin to the front lines of battle once more.

 

Thoughts? 🙂

[DamienKarras]

I think the demon was definitley playing games with Karras.  It gets more into that with the book, it shows that the demon was very strong and intelligent (not to mention when the demon says to Karras while returning after the holy water incident, “So, you're back..  I'm surprised. I would think that embarassment over the holy water might have discouraged you from ever returning.”)  Although, I'm having a problem wondering why the demon would want to put off an exorcism since it's goal was (mainly) to defeat Merrin.. Ahh I guess just a little demonic fun, eh? :>

[Jason Stringer]

DamienKarras said:

I'm having a problem wondering why the demon would want to put off an exorcism since it's goal was (mainly) to defeat Merrin.

In the book, this act by Pazuzu (revealing he knew it was tap water) helps Karras confirm the demon knows more than the little girl it possesses should. It helps build the case so that Karras can get an exorcism approved.

[fatherbowdern]

Don't forget the initial meeting between Karras and the demon. While Karras's back is turned, the demon throws out the one-liner from the homeless man in the subway, “Can you help an old altar boy Fa-dah.” Additionally the demon knows that Karras's mother died. At the end of that scene, Karras asks Chris if Regan knew that his mother died. She said, “Not at all.”

Karras isn't intrigued, he's knows what he is facing and not by coincidence.

Father Bowdern

[Steve Dunlap]

Good Lord I love this site! :)  The discussions are so refreshing.

I am also a sci-fi geek (largely Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica), and I have to say, these discussions are so much more a breath of fresh air, as opposed to the fanboyish arguments I witness over at the sci-fi sites/forums I visit.

[Ttubretep]

Even as a newcomer, I've managed to spot a fanboyish argument or two!

 

That being said, I also feel that the demon is wreaking as much havoc as possible on Regan while still keeping her alive, while biding its time until Meeeeerrrrrrrrrin inevitablly arrives.

[fatherbowdern]

So true. So true.

Father Bowdern

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