Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Immortal Relationships........why does it wound us so?

Though I know there are few who truly read this, I have a feeling that one day, people will in fact notice that I exist on the great World Wide Web :D And today, my dear class, our topic is immortality. Now, I'm sure you all know what it means--Hmmm? No Jimmy, I am not a vampire that sparkles.

But seriously, why is IMMORTALITY such a huge problem for writers, especially when it comes to relationships? Of course, if there is a race (such as vampires, or warlocks, etc) then indeed it is problematic. The result is most usually that the humanesk/mortal partner becomes immortal. If you are reading a book in which two of your most favourite characters just broke up, mainly because of one being immortal, I can see how that would upset a reader. Even though there is a high probability in them getting back together, you still never really know... The author could be evil.

As a side note, I am often one of those evil authors. If a character has no more use, I take my chance and kill them. But, I have faith that since they had no more use, the readers most likely won't really be too upset over the character's death. (Unless they are a pacifist, in which case you REALLY should not read anything of mine :P) But, if it is a major character, then yes, you would be extremely attached and worried for their future.

So why do authors do it? Why put their characters through such turmoil, and the readers along with it? Well, there is the first case: The author wants to evaluate the general public's reaction to such a break up, and possibly get ideas to how it could be solved without being cliche. Secondly, it may in fact be where the book was headed. Thirdly, the author may just need their characters depressed and vulnerable so that they realize how much more miserable life is without them together, or so that one (or both characters) can be all mopey and unaware, and will go get themselves into a dangerous situation in which the other will rescue them, and they get back together! Yay! (All is fair in love and war!) Or, perhaps the most well written, brilliant, and soul shattering explanation......the author.....has....a point to make. I KNOW! WHAT BS RIGHT??? Who needs points or well written, bitter sweet, righteous endings! Cliche romance with happy endings please!!!!!

But hey, the truth is, whether the relationship is immortal or not, there are always going to be breakups, and reunions, and love, and heartache, and angst, and....endings. Happy or sad, all relationships have one kind of ending or another. If you freak out because you can't control what happens in a relationship, then one: DO NOT READ!!!!! And two: you can't be prepared for life! If you are prepared, and you love reading, but STILLLL freak out over fictional relationships (immortal or otherwise), then do what I do:

WRITE! Because that way, you can make up whatever you want, and whether it's good or not, chances are it will be what you really want in a book. :P

Have a great week!
Long weekend coming up!!

2 comments:

Susan said...

You are so insightful! I like your last lines ---"WRITE! Because that way, you can make up whatever you want, and whether it's good or not, chances are it will be what you really want in a book." I hope YOU are writing and please continue this blog, because it has been awhile -- time to let us know what is going on in the world of Gemma and your journey to becoming a published author....!! :) Go Gemma Go...:D

Ms. K and her Students said...

You haven't written since May...:(