What do you think about Kidane's use of the nickname "Little One" for Hirut and, in a flashback, Aster (p. 48)?

What do you think about Kidane's use of the nickname "Little One" for Hirut and, in a flashback, Aster (p. 48)? What do you think he intends to convey by using this phrase, and how do Hirut and Aster respond to it?

Kildane's relationship with Hirut was puzzling and the use of "Little One" contributes to that. At one point I thought there was a strong sexual desire as Aster kept pointing out at other times I just thought he was being kindly and caring. I am leaning more towards Kildane's use of the term as one to throw off Aster's suspicions of what he really wants from Hirut.

I thought it diminished both of them -- that it served the function of "putting the women in their place." I did not see it as a term of affection.

I agree with laurap. "Little One" is pure belittling.

I also agree that it is belittling. Women have dealt with this type of "affectionate" term throughout the ages and I see it as manipulative and arrogant.

I agree with many here that it was belittling and manipulative. He seemed to want to present himself to the women as the benevolent type who is there to care for them and protect them, when in fact he was ruthless and heartless caring not at all for their pain and instead using them to prove his manhood and virility to himself and the men he was leading.

I think the use of "little one" was meant to be seen as affectionate but can be used to hide one's true feelings and is extremely manipulative.

Kidane expected submission and obedience from those under his command. Although there were glimpses of a tender heart for the most part he played the dominant role. Perhaps in his mind he thought of "little one" as an affection term as a parent might use for a child, but in practice it diminished both Aster and Hirut.