The Thing
anonymous
February 24 2010, 05:09:59 UTC
Hi Vanessa: I agree with you that Lovecraft uses what is for him more than average amount of characterization. It bothered me that he does so much telling about the characters, particularly about Edward, rather than showing them in various situations. The subject matter grabbed me because I'm interested in out of body travel, and I thought the story was pretty forward-thinking for its time in that respect. The thing about only males being able to attain the height of magiciandom -- well, I just took that as a reflection of the attitudes of the time. From what I can tell, Lovecraft wasn't much of a people person and never seemed to buck the social conventions of the time. Nice post, Vanessa. Sally B.
Be careful about reading a little too much misogyny into Lovecraft's comments. There's definitely plenty there since Ephraim wants to possess a male brain, because he believes "a male brain had certain unique and far-reaching cosmic powers."
However, some have mistakenly interpreted the "not quite human" or "half-human" remarks to indicate that Ephraim felt women were not entirely human. In fact, this is just a comment on the fact that Asenath is the hybrid offspring of a human and a Deep One.
As an example, you stated that "Asenath wanted to be a man so she could be 'fully human'", but that's not quite correct. She (Ephraim, actually) wanted to inhabit the body of a human male both so she could be fully human (and not a hybrid) and so she could have a male brain (which supposedly possesses "cosmic powers").
Ironically, Ephraim is prejudiced against the mental faculties of Deep Ones -- but he's the guy who had sex with one...
Donovan K. Loucks Webmaster, The H. P. Lovecraft ArchiveReply
I dunno - I think there's some therecalieavFebruary 24 2010, 23:50:38 UTC
Although I do agree about over reading too much misogyny into Lovecraft's story, I do think you're right to point it out. Its there.
Sure, part of it was the times and all that, but I agree with you, it did interfere with my enjoyment of this tale, and many others.
I'm not trying to slam Lovecraft by any means - I agree with Donovan's comments, but from a female perspective (and I can't help it, that's how I'm biologically wired), I do find it a bit off-putting.
My dislike of one part of one story (or yours) in no way lessens Lovecraft's contribution to the field and continuing influence. I think Haggard is also marvelous, yet I can't get behind him all the time either.
Don't forget that she was from Innsmouth and thus part fish. Plus she was possessed by Daddy. This makes her a Hasslefish. A rare species of inbred fishfolk. This is Jared. I can't remember my Fraggin' ID
Yeah, I felt the same way you did until I got to the part about daddy possessing her and what the implications of that were. Then the ick factor made me forget everything else. Elsa
Comments 6
I agree with you that Lovecraft uses what is for him more than average amount of characterization. It bothered me that he does so much telling about the characters, particularly about Edward, rather than showing them in various situations. The subject matter grabbed me because I'm interested in out of body travel, and I thought the story was pretty forward-thinking for its time in that respect. The thing about only males being able to attain the height of magiciandom -- well, I just took that as a reflection of the attitudes of the time. From what I can tell, Lovecraft wasn't much of a people person and never seemed to buck the social conventions of the time. Nice post, Vanessa. Sally B.
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Thanks for the comments. This is Kristin's blog:)
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However, some have mistakenly interpreted the "not quite human" or "half-human" remarks to indicate that Ephraim felt women were not entirely human. In fact, this is just a comment on the fact that Asenath is the hybrid offspring of a human and a Deep One.
As an example, you stated that "Asenath wanted to be a man so she could be 'fully human'", but that's not quite correct. She (Ephraim, actually) wanted to inhabit the body of a human male both so she could be fully human (and not a hybrid) and so she could have a male brain (which supposedly possesses "cosmic powers").
Ironically, Ephraim is prejudiced against the mental faculties of Deep Ones -- but he's the guy who had sex with one...
Donovan K. Loucks
Webmaster, The H. P. Lovecraft ArchiveReply
Sure, part of it was the times and all that, but I agree with you, it did interfere with my enjoyment of this tale, and many others.
I'm not trying to slam Lovecraft by any means - I agree with Donovan's comments, but from a female perspective (and I can't help it, that's how I'm biologically wired), I do find it a bit off-putting.
My dislike of one part of one story (or yours) in no way lessens Lovecraft's contribution to the field and continuing influence. I think Haggard is also marvelous, yet I can't get behind him all the time either.
Calie
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Elsa
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