Have you ever read the article about how Angel's souled self is nothing more than a construct created by the Roma Gypsies' spell? I believe it was written by someone named Therese Blanco.
No, I haven't read that. Sounds interesting, though I wonder at the limits it imposes on Angel. It seems harder to fabricate a soul as opposed to calling one from the aether through magic. It almost seems a bit more sci-fi than magic.
But then again, what even is a soul in the Buffyverse? If it's constructed, in what form?
The writer wasn't claiming that Angel's soul was a construct. She claimed that due to the curse, his current personality as do-gooder Angel was a construct and not something that developed from his own will.
In this light I almost wonder if Wesley's not a cautionary tale about too much truth being a bad thing? A lot of research shows a little bit of self-deception as a healthy thing: to think a little better of yourself, to have a little more hope for the future than the present warrants. But a Watcher cannot afford to do that. And Wesley, having been molded his whole life into being the job, just can't afford that little veneer that softens reality, and maybe that's why he burns out so young.
By contrast, Angel lasts because both of his halves are illusions, and so he has this weird detente, and Cordelia, as you say, is the opposite of Wesley in her role-playing and overconfidence.
Yeah, I think cautionary tale is a good way to put it. Thinking a bit more on this, Illyria serves as another symbolic embodiment of 'good vs. evil'/'demon vs. humanity' (where the demons are invested in enslaving/killing people as opposed to the cuddly Lorne variety) and how Fred's soul being destroyed tips the scales towards humanity losing. Wesley's madness at the loss of Fred occurs after 'Origin' when he discovers Angel's duplicity, too. So it's like a one-two punch. I think Wesley can handle lots of hard truth, but in this instance it becomes too much. Wes is able to unveil the deception yet again in 'Origin' and reveal the truth, but it's disturbing to not only realize that he can't trust Angel but that he also can't completely trust the sanctity of his own mind. How tragic is that, that as a Watcher he's been fooled by an illusion for nearly an entire year. Fooled and, arguably, very happy to be deceived -- to think he's in fluffy bunny love with Fred and Angel's darkness isn't as immediately discernible to him. Angel
( ... )
That's why I see NFA and AtS as a tragedy and it's a tragedy of Angel's making. That by giving into the violence, by forsaking helping the helpless, he's abandoned his humanity. He's already tipped the scales by choosing the wrong side, the side that wants to "kill them all". It takes him back to his introduction in the BtVS pilot -- killing demons is his way. But for him to reclaim his humanity, he has to distance himself from killing, as opposed to Buffy who can be the Slayer because she's so very human at heart.
"Let's go to work" strikes me as this hollow battle cry.
Don't hold back on our account, Norwie, say what you REALLY feel. ;)
Personally, I think Angel should be made fun of at every available opportunity , but I give Emmie props for turning her intelligence toward Angel and giving him serious consideration. I know I can't manage it.
Comments 25
Reply
Reply
Reply
But then again, what even is a soul in the Buffyverse? If it's constructed, in what form?
Reply
Reply
By contrast, Angel lasts because both of his halves are illusions, and so he has this weird detente, and Cordelia, as you say, is the opposite of Wesley in her role-playing and overconfidence.
Reply
Reply
Reply
That's why I see NFA and AtS as a tragedy and it's a tragedy of Angel's making. That by giving into the violence, by forsaking helping the helpless, he's abandoned his humanity. He's already tipped the scales by choosing the wrong side, the side that wants to "kill them all". It takes him back to his introduction in the BtVS pilot -- killing demons is his way. But for him to reclaim his humanity, he has to distance himself from killing, as opposed to Buffy who can be the Slayer because she's so very human at heart.
"Let's go to work" strikes me as this hollow battle cry.
Reply
(Will read once work day is over. Am happy to be back on LJ and seeing your post. :-))
Reply
Reply
Don't hold back on our account, Norwie, say what you REALLY feel. ;)
Personally, I think Angel should be made fun of at every available opportunity , but I give Emmie props for turning her intelligence toward Angel and giving him serious consideration. I know I can't manage it.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Reply
Leave a comment