wondered whether the author was subtly sign-posting her inspiration for the Mulder "stream-of-consciousness" narrative
This is an interesting idea, but I’m going to be the wet blanket and say I doubt it. From what I’ve read of Joyce (Ulysses and Dubliners) the slightly unstructured narrative of “Weatherman” doesn’t even come close to his often nearly indecipherable stream of consciousness style. Not to mention that everything I remember of Joyce’s writing was frenetic and grim and utterly lacking in romance (everything Joyce writes feels soiled to me), while this fic is merely the reflections of an off-kilter psyche, deeply rooted in intimate adoration, and exceedingly romantic.
I suppose that secretly I hope deep down that maybe, just maybe, this might be an accurate insight into Mulder's actual thoughts at each stage of his relationship with Scully.
Me too, nailseabelle, me too. And I’m not even a Mulderist!
I just don't see this guilt-tripping, "I'm such a bad person" Mulder to any great significance in the show itself, so I wonder where this trope originates from
Putting aside the issue of whether it is or isn’t grounded in canon for a moment, I think one of the reasons guilt-stricken, self-devaluing Mulder is so popular is because some fans like to see that kind of vulnerability and sensitivity in him. Personally, I find it helps me connect to the character. Inner torment means, among other things, a rather complex and active inner life, albeit a painful one. But healthy is boring, I say. *g* Ultimately I’m inclined to trust a character who is plagued by self-doubts more easily than a character who isn’t, because it suggests they are considerate. They are acutely aware of their own fallibility, and the consequences of screwing up, and they are also likely to dearly value those who stand by them. I also like to root for the underdog in most situations. This is my opinion, and it’s really only the short answer, but I’ll quit now, before I try to further dissect this issue without getting any sleep.
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winterfish
no subject
Date: 2012-03-16 03:32 pm (UTC)This is an interesting idea, but I’m going to be the wet blanket and say I doubt it. From what I’ve read of Joyce (Ulysses and Dubliners) the slightly unstructured narrative of “Weatherman” doesn’t even come close to his often nearly indecipherable stream of consciousness style. Not to mention that everything I remember of Joyce’s writing was frenetic and grim and utterly lacking in romance (everything Joyce writes feels soiled to me), while this fic is merely the reflections of an off-kilter psyche, deeply rooted in intimate adoration, and exceedingly romantic.
I suppose that secretly I hope deep down that maybe, just maybe, this might be an accurate insight into Mulder's actual thoughts at each stage of his relationship with Scully.
Me too, nailseabelle, me too. And I’m not even a Mulderist!
I just don't see this guilt-tripping, "I'm such a bad person" Mulder to any great significance in the show itself, so I wonder where this trope originates from
Putting aside the issue of whether it is or isn’t grounded in canon for a moment, I think one of the reasons guilt-stricken, self-devaluing Mulder is so popular is because some fans like to see that kind of vulnerability and sensitivity in him. Personally, I find it helps me connect to the character. Inner torment means, among other things, a rather complex and active inner life, albeit a painful one. But healthy is boring, I say. *g* Ultimately I’m inclined to trust a character who is plagued by self-doubts more easily than a character who isn’t, because it suggests they are considerate. They are acutely aware of their own fallibility, and the consequences of screwing up, and they are also likely to dearly value those who stand by them. I also like to root for the underdog in most situations. This is my opinion, and it’s really only the short answer, but I’ll quit now, before I try to further dissect this issue without getting any sleep.