Thursday, April 16, 2020
Morgaine's Quickly Abandoned Emotional Composure Is Relatable
I really enjoyed watching Morgaine's inner monologue as she falls from the rules of a priestess, to the whims of her own emotion in the Mists of Avalon. It happens within a few pages, and yet the shift from "he [Lancelot] has not recognized me either, keep it so." (141) to "I want him [Lancelot] to think me beautiful-- myself, not the glamour!" (143) happens smoothly, and I enjoyed the way it humanizes Morgaine. Later still, when Gwenhwyfar appears and whisks Lancelot's attention and affections away from her she "felt a surge of hatred so great that she thought she would faint with its force." (158) How quickly and strongly she devolves from the rules set upon her reminds us as readers that she is still a human and still rather young. She bends to her wants over her duty in a way that is very familiar and reminiscent of a dramatic teenager. Though I doubt any modern readers have come across a situation that mirrors Morgaine's experience exactly as I believe the number of people asked if they're actually fae to be very small, at it's most simplified she throws a fit in her head and retreats into a cold persona after being embarrassed and rejected, and I'd say that's pretty relatable.
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I agree, the emotions humanize Morgaine. Most people can relate to the feelings of being rejected by someone we care for or are in love with. Knowing that she eventually becomes part of the antagonists against Arthur, these scenes give us some clues as to why she chooses that side. This rejection is grave enough for her to set her sights against all of Camelot, not just Lancelot.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! I think that the scenes really do give us insight into how she ends up as an antagonist. It makes me feel almost bad for her and how she ends up.
DeleteYes - it's nice to see all of her emotions laid out in a way that feels real and human. That ramps up as the book progresses and crazy shit happens to her, too (it's a long book but a really good one and I'm sad that my copy is stuck in my office at Hood because aside from little excerpts for class I haven't read it in a long time and I'd like to have the chance over the summer!)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%, especially since a lot of the texts we've read previously depict Morgaine as being cold and unfeeling, so getting to know her actual emotions was a treat. I really enjoyed reading this from her point of view, and getting to know her motives.
ReplyDeleteI touched on this part as well. Its very refreshing to see Morgaine have feelings. It stuck out to me because the story becomes relatable. Because I find it hard to believe that she can be so cruel and emotionless.
ReplyDeleteWell your points certainly make me agree ha. Since we know exactly what Morgaine's feeling it's easy to relate to situations we might've had in real life. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it happened naturally and definitely showed a more human side of Morgaine. What I don't like is the fact that this text is from the female's point of view and its primarily about love troubles and stuff. seems stereotypical.
ReplyDeleteHow Morgaine reacted is definitely a common reaction that exist in so many places and generations. It is a natural reaction for most. I agree that it showed how human she was. Even though it wasn't the right decision to make or feel, it shows that Morgaine actually did have feelings and care for Lancelot.
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