Thursday, November 30, 0002
To family and friends of Betty Bandeen: Professor Bandeen was a witty, canny teacher, and she was one my all-time favourites in a lifetime of learning. As an undergraduate in her "Chaucer" course in the early 80s, she brought old English to life for me. One day she was talking about how one of Chaucer's characters was described as having a gap in their front teeth. This gap, she went on to explain, would have suggested to people of Chaucer's time that the character was lascivious. At this point, she grinned widely and shared with us her spacious gap-toothed smile! I am a writer by trade, and something that she said to the class one day has stuck with me always. She said when you have something to work on, write it once, then let it sit in your bottom drawer for a few days to "percolate". Go back to it with fresh eyes a few days on, and see what new thoughts or clarity one might bring to it. She was talking about mid-term papers, but it is advice I have used again and again in my professional life since. She was lovely, and fun and it was a pleasure to be taught by her. I will always remember her with fondness and delight. Sincerely, Philippa Dowding Toronto
