 So today I thought we'd talk some about Simon as a character (no, not just because I have a huge crush on him! I'm a serious Book Discusser, me.) For someone with the abilities Simon has--not just metaphysically, but physically, he's pretty good with that baton--he has a lot of insecurities. How do you think his relationship with Connor highlights those, and what does it say about both men? Also, in what way do Simon's relationships with women effect the overall plot? Would most men have been unable (or unwilling) to perform after seeing Tamara and Fergus in the beginning? Do you think his attachments to Irene and Jane are indicative of his need to find women who need him, rather than simply wanting him? And again, if this is how he sees his function in a romantic relationship or male/female one, is that perhaps part of the reason why his relatonship with Connor is what it is? Does Simon still try to see his place in his world as a traditional one? |
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The Fergus/Tamara question probably gets answered by one's personal preferences. Someone who is a voyeur or something of that sort might like it. Someone who is really desperate might not care at all. A guy who is insecure about himself/his performance/etc might react just like Simon did. Well, not just like...but the real world equivalent.
I think it's a nice touch that humanizes Simon among all the other things going on that are way out there. We all know that guy who'd be a catch except for the bad hair or the girl that seems so nice until she dances like Elaine on Seinfeld. No one we know has Simon's reasons, but in a lot of ways...it's easy to understand his relationship issues given the "flaw" in his being.
I thought it said something about the depth of his feelings for Tamara, even though they hadn't been seeing each other that long. A lot of guys would have seen it as free porn, I think, or figured it guaranteed them a pretty hot time.
But yeah, it does humanize him, although I admit I was disappointed because I think a hot sex scene is a great way to start a book.
The entire Tamara/Fergus thing was one of those bits that I didn't care for. I know it lead into the the rest of the story, but I can't help thinking about something someone once said: "A bit of necrophilia would have solved the Romeo and Juliet problem with a happy ending. Surprise! I knew you were alive... I swear. Um, forsooth?" :)
In one aspect, it is a part of the power that I felt that if he had it most of his life, he would have adapted to it and just accepted it as part of him. The reaction was closer to what I would expect of someone who just awakened the powers, but still had the emotional beliefs from before it. But, the hint of him having it so long, I think he would have just gotten used to seeing it so often, it wouldn't be a big deal anymore.
But, I'm biased toward non-monogamy and it reflects in how I thought a character should handle it. Plus, no one really has such a strong ability in real life to know if you would start to filter out the meaningless crap you pick up or no longer care.
One thing I did like was the apparent immunity to Simon's powers with Jane. When the cat lady mentioned about it, I was pretty happy with that, since it has that lovely feel of destined lovers; I'm looking forward to their fights.
I definitely think that Simon is closer to a one-woman guy, or at least seeking a traditional marriage type of person. Probably straight too. :P
I actually liked the opening scene a lot. Not the sex but the vulnerability of Simon. His sensitivity comes through and his need for honesty which we later learns stems from him leaving behind a dishonest world. It also sets up his power and the one thing he still hides.
Simon, to me, comes off as a guy who wants one woman 1. because he wants that special relationship and 2. he's not stupid enough to think he could hide his ability or not get too confused b/c of the things he accidentally reads. :)
*sigh* I would so fall for Simon in the real world...
I think Mr. Moonfire raises an interesting point, but I'm a Strout apologist so sort of combine those idea with my take on Simon being flawed. He knows his power and knows that he might get a reading, but he's still trying to do things the "traditional" way and find a nice girl and a steady relationship. As someone who may not have a traditional upbringing, this quest for Ozzy and Harriet, despite it being personally illogical, sort of makes sense.
I agree. I see Simon as someone who strives to live a "normal" life, in spite of his abilities. Which leads me to today's topic, actually...