On YA bad boys, transformative romance, and redemption

Jul 28, 2010 18:14

...subtitled: 'of the long and rambly thought variety'...

I read one review for TDC that was very critical of Nick's behavior in this book and Mae's reactions to it, characterizing her in this books "the typical piner" and Nick as a "walking stereotype" who epitomizes the abusive supernatural bad boy YA love interest. I made similar comments about Patch in Hush, Hush and I've read texts that have made like claims about Edward in Twilight, so I understand where the reviewer is coming from, and fully support the portrayal of healthy relationships in YA books. But I disagree with the conclusions she draws about TDC.

Here's why.

Though I agree with the reviewer's argument that Nick being a demon does not excuse any abusive behavior on his part, I disagree with her claim that the novel solicits a dismissal of his behavior by Mae and by the reader. If anything, TDC is a book about decision and consequences. Alan lies and manipulates; he gets the short end of the stick. Same goes for Seb. Whereas Edward's stalkerish behavior toward Bella and Patch's objectification of Nora are portrayed as romantic attentions, Nick's violent behavior is portrayed not as an attractive quality, but as a serious character flaw that he must overcome in order to Triumph Against Evil. It is explained by his demon nature, but never justified. In fact, it provokes outrage, shock, and disappointment not just in the reader, but also in the characters. Even Nick is aware of this! When he brands Mae with his mark in a brutal manifestation of his demonic power, Mae says, "I asked you to do it ... I chose to do it. That makes a difference." Though Mae tries to play down the violence in this moment, Nick is more skeptical. His response: "Enough of one?" (306) Mae doesn't answer, but we get the feeling that she is deeply shaken, and unsure of the answer. (I agree with the reviewer that Mae could have done more, especially at this point, to call Nick out on his bad behavior, but the problem is, she is physically tied to Nick by the demon mark at this point, which blurs her judgment toward him.)

But this just means that a key element to the story -- particularly to the relationships between Nick and Alan, and Nick and Mae -- is Nick trying to learn how to become more human. The sibling relationship between Nick and Alan is predicated, in great part, on Alan's never ceasing attempts to teach Nick to be a human boy. And some of the most poignant scenes thus far in TDL have shown Nick struggling to learn these lessons.

This is also the case with the romance. Nick is sizzlingly hot, and SRB makes the most of this in the fan-inducing make-out scenes, but we would not be cheering for these scenes to happen if Nick had not shown us a glimpse of his human side. (Or his attempted human side, or whatever you want to call it.) Nick is an attractive guy not just because of his good looks and snark, but more importantly because of his commitment to his brother -- the very human affection and protectiveness he feels for Alan, whether or not it is "love." When Mae tells Nick what she likes about him, she is describing these very attributes:

"I like that you don't lie," she said eventually. "I like that you want to protect us even though I don't want you to kill him. You try really hard, and you don't give up. I like all that, so I like having you around. You make me feel better, when you're not making me feel worse, which happens too. I don't know how to explain it in any way that makes more sense."

"Is that comfort?" Nick asked slowly.

Mae took a deep breath. "Yes. Something like that." (347)

Likewise, Nick feels more human around her, even if he doesn't know how to express it:

"Why?" Mae asked. "You worried about me?"

Nick frowned at her.

"Concerned," Mae explained in a low voice, and when he kept frowning she asked, "Do you want to keep me safe?"

He nodded slowly.

"Why?"

Mae wished she could take the question back as soon as she spoke. It was pathetic and obvious, and she was just left staring at him and feeling horrified at herself.

"Well, it's like you said," Nick said, his voice scraping in his throat in a way that sounded angry but which Mae suspected meant he was feeling awkward. "Sometimes I feel better around you. I kind of like your face."

Mae swallowed down breath like a desperate gulp of medicine and refused to let herself press her face into his palm. He was touching her very lightly, the tips of his sword-callused fingers barely grazing her skin, and she was almost certain that if she moved he would shy away.

"I'm not sure why," Nick went on, as if, unlike a human boy, he was reassured and encouraged by her silence. "I know a lot of girls hotter than you." (348-9)
When Mae and Nick get together, it's not because she has accepted his violence, but because she has helped him find the humanity in himself. Transformative romance, baby.

But Nick has a long way to go yet, which is why, romance-wise, the series could not have ended with TDC.  And you know what? If in TDL3 Nick gets the girl without reforming his behavior, I will indeed be disappointed, and that reviewer can tell me, "I told you so." But I don't think that will happen. Both Alan and Seb get the short end of the stick in TDC for their less than laudable behavior; I imagine that Book Three will set up a way for Nick to redeem himself and become deserving of Mae.

You see, what the TDL trilogy tells us is that everyone has their own personal demons (pun intended!), but that redemption is also possible. (Personally, I hope that Gerald redeems himself, because I would totally ship Jamie/Gerald.) Oh, and there's lots of hilarity, action, and romance along the way, so, you know, you'll be kept quite entertained if you stick along for the ride.

ya novels are an important part of life

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