They do not meet the criteria. Yes, they walked hand in fearful hand when they found the "courage" to do so, yet they hid their thoughts, feelings, and deepest secrets from one another, even up until the end. I doubt a little penetration has fixed them. Dave, so obsessed with his perception of self that he cannot even see himself no matter how closely he stands to the mirror. Even when finding his clarity in the arms of his saint, he could only see through a pinhole. And then Karkat, whose perception of self is so disjointed from his deeds and capability that he may as well have reached down and snipped his own Achilles tendons. Even in their moments of truth and desperation they could not bear it for more than seconds at a time. Both men are so driven by fear and live so fully in their own heads.
I think that when a man has committed himself so fully to one outcome that it requires faith as fuel, he cannot possibly see it the way others do. Especially when his own fears and insecurities are whispering in his ear, can he even be certain that he knows what drives him?
Does the main character know what the audience knows? Is the Narrator even reliable when he has personal stake in the actions of his characters? When it is only his loosed rats in the maze that hold his most coveted prize?
It's a weird feeling, and I actually have to take a moment to interrogate it for purpose. Well. I don't have to. But I do, because I'm already here inside my own thoughts so I might as well. Also, the reason is actually really obvious. It just... hurts to read it. I'm being serious. It's actually physically painful. Makes it hard to muster a response at all. To my unending credit, though, I do.]
Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong. You've fundamentally misunderstood the entire work. Including the parts I explicitly detailed in the text.
I'm choosing to believe you've done this on purpose, possibly to spite me. But fine, what 'prize' are my 'rats' running for?
Besides, it's all right there. Dave's hero is Karkat, obviously. Or better yet, it's still me. I left you wanting on purpose, but by the time there's a real climax, he and everyone else will be plenty willing to take their prizes. The scene that comes after me, assuming that time actually comes. THANKS FOR PLAYING, but actually earned this time. Not just won, but hard won. And actually worth it.
Isn't that exciting? It should be. I'm excited just thinking about it.
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mild nsfw text
I think that when a man has committed himself so fully to one outcome that it requires faith as fuel, he cannot possibly see it the way others do. Especially when his own fears and insecurities are whispering in his ear, can he even be certain that he knows what drives him?
Does the main character know what the audience knows? Is the Narrator even reliable when he has personal stake in the actions of his characters? When it is only his loosed rats in the maze that hold his most coveted prize?
no subject
It's a weird feeling, and I actually have to take a moment to interrogate it for purpose. Well. I don't have to. But I do, because I'm already here inside my own thoughts so I might as well. Also, the reason is actually really obvious. It just... hurts to read it. I'm being serious. It's actually physically painful. Makes it hard to muster a response at all. To my unending credit, though, I do.]
Amazing. Every word of what you just said was wrong. You've fundamentally misunderstood the entire work. Including the parts I explicitly detailed in the text.
I'm choosing to believe you've done this on purpose, possibly to spite me. But fine, what 'prize' are my 'rats' running for?
no subject
But you know it well. How this ends. Their only prize will be a narrative with you absent. Your son takes your place. Who will be his hero?
I will be saddened of your retirement. You did not appear frequently enough as it was. And without your part? My they could be dreadful.
no subject
Besides, it's all right there. Dave's hero is Karkat, obviously. Or better yet, it's still me. I left you wanting on purpose, but by the time there's a real climax, he and everyone else will be plenty willing to take their prizes. The scene that comes after me, assuming that time actually comes. THANKS FOR PLAYING, but actually earned this time. Not just won, but hard won. And actually worth it.
Isn't that exciting? It should be. I'm excited just thinking about it.