I've wondered how these panels would go over as the story has been reeling out for me. First, I think that everyone has different questions. Second, we don't always know what the right qustions are - even for ourselves. In the story of the Grail, Percivale fails to ask the right question when it comes to him, because he didn't recognize it and ends up losing the Grail, having to quest for it for the rest of his life.
Calogrenant is dealing with the immediate questions. Getting what she wants has re-shuffled the entire deck. She really wasn't prepared for this when she got up that morning, and this would never have been an option for her. Now her armor doesn't fit her - which, come to think of it, is a situation in which many of us find ourselves.
Cally (which I taken to calling her in my notes) is a lot stronger and deeper than she is at this moment of vulnerability.
Thank you so much for the input! I'd love for this strip to foster discussion!
I saw the panel early this morning, but I wanted to give some time for my thoughts to blend and ferment—sort of like a good wine ;).
The reaction has a touch of auto-gynephellia (sp ?) to it I think; as well as what happened to the person or god in the greek (?) myth. I can't remember the name though—I don't even know if I could find it in any of my notes of 8 or 9 years ago. I do see Cally's (I like that nickname) shock though as well as the hint/suggestion that she's had this wish all her life. I am a little surprised that she sees her wish come true as a curse, though I can understand the effects of shock (awe) and surprise. I would think she would be more accepting (sort of like 'Wow! This is great! I got my wish) though not necessarily happy or excited. That's my two cents.
BTW, the symbol over the chalice, especially as it presents itself in the shadow on the floor, seems reminiscent or symbolic of a vulva?! The shadow on the floor is rather interesting too.
So now you know why I wanted to think about my response.
Zoe - I think the person you mean is Tiresias, who was turned into a woman and then back and ended up knowing more than the gods. (Though Hera struck her blind for saying that women enjoyed sex more than men and thus settling an argument she was having with Zeus - unfortunately, in Zeus' favor.)
When I tell Tiresias' story, I also give the context of becoming a woman in an antifeminist society. I think Cally's dismay is legitimate. First, she is caught off-guard, but second, what, indeed will become of her? Where shall her place be? This may be a fantasized vision of the middle ages, but it is still a world in which women (unless they are very special) are virtually powerless. Since transition would be not even on the chart of reality, Cal (my other nickname) has invested his entire life and being into being a knight. Now Cally must face a practical reality. Maybe. She is elated; there's no doubt of that, but then there are the practicalities. I've known more than one trans woman who has had to face cold realities that were, alas, unforeseen. And there is a practical reason for a Real Life Experience - which she has not had. Honestly, she went and curled up in that fetal position on her own.
As for the vulva, dead right! Jesus appears in the oblong shape in the carvings on the entrances of cathedrals. He is emerging from the Immaculate Conception, which is the womb of Mary.
As for size, Cally doesn't realize it yet, but she is exactly what she wanted.
Autogynophelia... Perhaps. But I think Calogrenant's grin and dance are more out of a sense of completeness than libido. Sufficeth to say, Cally's sense of sensuousness has yet to be discovered.
Good questions, but not necessarily the right questions
ReplyDeleteVery good point, Paula.
ReplyDeleteI've wondered how these panels would go over as the story has been reeling out for me. First, I think that everyone has different questions. Second, we don't always know what the right qustions are - even for ourselves. In the story of the Grail, Percivale fails to ask the right question when it comes to him, because he didn't recognize it and ends up losing the Grail, having to quest for it for the rest of his life.
Calogrenant is dealing with the immediate questions. Getting what she wants has re-shuffled the entire deck. She really wasn't prepared for this when she got up that morning, and this would never have been an option for her. Now her armor doesn't fit her - which, come to think of it, is a situation in which many of us find ourselves.
Cally (which I taken to calling her in my notes) is a lot stronger and deeper than she is at this moment of vulnerability.
Thank you so much for the input! I'd love for this strip to foster discussion!
I saw the panel early this morning, but I wanted to give some time for my thoughts to blend and ferment—sort of like a good wine ;).
ReplyDeleteThe reaction has a touch of auto-gynephellia (sp ?) to it I think; as well as what happened to the person or god in the greek (?) myth. I can't remember the name though—I don't even know if I could find it in any of my notes of 8 or 9 years ago. I do see Cally's (I like that nickname) shock though as well as the hint/suggestion that she's had this wish all her life. I am a little surprised that she sees her wish come true as a curse, though I can understand the effects of shock (awe) and surprise. I would think she would be more accepting (sort of like 'Wow! This is great! I got my wish) though not necessarily happy or excited. That's my two cents.
BTW, the symbol over the chalice, especially as it presents itself in the shadow on the floor, seems reminiscent or symbolic of a vulva?! The shadow on the floor is rather interesting too.
So now you know why I wanted to think about my response.
BTW! I grew out of Bob's clothes.
ReplyDeleteZoe - I think the person you mean is Tiresias, who was turned into a woman and then back and ended up knowing more than the gods. (Though Hera struck her blind for saying that women enjoyed sex more than men and thus settling an argument she was having with Zeus - unfortunately, in Zeus' favor.)
ReplyDeleteWhen I tell Tiresias' story, I also give the context of becoming a woman in an antifeminist society. I think Cally's dismay is legitimate. First, she is caught off-guard, but second, what, indeed will become of her? Where shall her place be? This may be a fantasized vision of the middle ages, but it is still a world in which women (unless they are very special) are virtually powerless. Since transition would be not even on the chart of reality, Cal (my other nickname) has invested his entire life and being into being a knight. Now Cally must face a practical reality. Maybe. She is elated; there's no doubt of that, but then there are the practicalities. I've known more than one trans woman who has had to face cold realities that were, alas, unforeseen. And there is a practical reason for a Real Life Experience - which she has not had. Honestly, she went and curled up in that fetal position on her own.
As for the vulva, dead right! Jesus appears in the oblong shape in the carvings on the entrances of cathedrals. He is emerging from the Immaculate Conception, which is the womb of Mary.
As for size, Cally doesn't realize it yet, but she is exactly what she wanted.
Autogynophelia... Perhaps. But I think Calogrenant's grin and dance are more out of a sense of completeness than libido. Sufficeth to say, Cally's sense of sensuousness has yet to be discovered.