"Pictures of perfection, as you know, make me sick and wicked"

[epea_pteroenta]

OK, I promised eolivet an analysis of that intriguing line of Mary's from S02E03 "The truth is we're very much alike so naturally I think she's perfect".

I've already written about it quite a bit in this post so this will quote and use that (because I'm lazy).

Comments

[rochvelleth]

I love this

[epea_pteroenta]

Oh, I do love overanalysing these things! It's the classical training.

Of course!

Maybe Mary and Matthew realise that they just can't be together after what has passed between them, and Mary is saying that Lavinia is perfect - as her substitute.

I really like this idea! That Lavinia is perfect for their situation - perfect for Matthew as a "consolation prize" (hee) because she is so different to Mary - which adds a layer of irony to what Mary says. I am adding this to my interpretation. :)

I completely agree with your last statement. Mary really is trying so hard - and it's a really good point that it really is a reversal in appearance at least to her prevarication at the end of S01.

[eolivet]

Heh -- this was my initial interpretation of the line, and then I read other interpretations and liked those better. Nothing like reading my initial interpretation of the line was "correct" -- hee! :D

they are both dealing with the consequences of actions they would have wished to avoid and which will paint them as blacker than they are.

But...Lavinia's "scandal" is she loves her father so much, she stole secrets to save her family! It's the nicest, most selfless thing anyone could do (Lavinia's a veritable Jean Valjean!) It's almost a good thing she didn't tell Matthew, because it almost makes Lavinia look better! :p

It's a HUGE contrast to Mary's own scandal -- an arguably unthinking, but nonetheless selfish act that could ultimately ruin her family if it ever got out. "We're very much alike?" Oh, Mary... :(

her silent complicity and agreement with Violet and Rosamund's scheming I think made it plain that she would not really be too sorry if Lavinia really was a scheming harlot and could be thrown out of the nearest air lock.See

[epea_pteroenta]

Nothing like reading my initial interpretation of the line was "correct" -- hee! :D

Well, of course it was! Oh, I don't know about correct... rochvelleth has already managed to add another layer to it above!

But...Lavinia's "scandal" is she loves her father so much, she stole secrets to save her family! It's the nicest, most selfless thing anyone could do (Lavinia's a veritable Jean Valjean!)

Yes, morally it was a beautiful act, worthy of a Disney heroine. However, legally she still stole the secrets. And if she got caught she could get into trouble, I would imagine. The public would be on her side, I would expect (they tend to be against politicians misbehaving) but it would nevertheless be a scandal. And the story of the young beauty who stole secrets to protect her dear father... It would be an excellent story!

Stop it with the tone of cynicism, self!

Do you believe if Lavinia was revealed to be the Whore of Babylon that Mary would've told Matthew as much?No. It would not have been Mary's place to do so (and she knows full well that in

[eolivet]

she would have strongly encouraged Lavinia to tell him, perhaps even supporting her while she did. Perhaps she might feel that if Lavinia somehow manages to do what she did not have the courage to do, then that can somehow put her own failure there to rest?

Awwwww!!! Of course she would -- yes, that makes so much sense. :) I sort of love that idea, actually -- by helping Lavinia, she would've helped to atone for her own sins...aww.

I ain't writing that fanfic though...I've filled my Lavinia quota. ;)

You can see a lot of Violet in both Rosamund and Mary, and actually some Rosamund in Mary

Oh, interesting -- never thought of it that way!!! I have to say, considering this is a TV show and none of these actors are actually family, that's some pretty good writing and acting to communicate that. :D

To Matthew, as I see it, the idea of uncovering deep dark secrets about her past is just rather hilarious and clearly some quirky plot of Violet's. He's not taking it seriously.That I disagree with -- maybe at dinner, but when he's talking

[clunkhall]

Would love to know what [info]clunkhall thinks... (Being the Matthew expert! :P)What a testimonial! :D

Naturally

[tripp3235]

Love your interpretation. I believe Mary is using sarcasm to mask what she really thinks, but there is some truth to her statement.

1. By declaring that she and Lavinia are alike thus she is perfect, Mary is also giving herself a compliment. It's a good way to watch Matthew's reaction to it, how he responds in regards to Lavinia but also to her, Mary. Of course, I'm sure Mary didn't do this conciously, it's what women do when we want a guy but we know he's seeing that chick over there so comparing oneself positvely to the other woman is a subtle way of reminding him about alternatives

Re: Naturally

[epea_pteroenta]

I really like your idea that it is also a compliment. Subconscious perhaps, but a great interpretation! *adds another layer*

And I agree that she is more likely to be thinking of their love for him than anything else, though I do think more is there.

I like talking too! :)

[chocolatepot]

Ugh, analyzing humor in papers. It basically always comes down to "it's funny because it's not what usually happens," too, doesn't it?

I have to admit that my first interpretation of the line was that Mary was (flippantly and insincerely) saying she was like Matthew, and that since Matthew loves her she must also think Lavinia is perfect, with a side helping of realizing that, unfortunately, Lavinia is technically the perfect girl for Matthew. But I can completely see your interpretation as well, and I don't think it's really too far from mine in the end.

[epea_pteroenta]

No, I agree with you. I definitely think there's a play on the idea of Lavinia being perfect for Matthew, Matthew having her on a pedestal, Mary thinking that flippantly. There are so many layers!