Who is Valentine (Val) and Tony Miller from Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch and what is their importance? Big_Sur_and_the_Oranges_of_Hieronymus_Bosch English & Literature Valentine (Val) and Tony Miller | Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch

Henry Miller's children with Janina, born in 1946 and 1948, respectively, Val and Tony live with Miller and fourth wife Eva after the divorce. Val takes pleasure in interrupting adult conversations and Tony is a ruffian with a short attention span. To get the children to behave at dinner, Miller tells them serial stories about the adventures of a girl named Charma in New York City. They prompt him with how the last episode ends and ask probing questions. When the children ask difficult questions, Miller tells them honestly that he does not know the answer and suggests that finding an answer oneself is better than being handed a pat one. Janina believes that he spoils them.