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goneseriesanalysis · 3 years

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Subversion of Tropes

Spoiler warning for Fear, Lies and Plague down below

TW: mentions of s@xual @ssault and r@pe

In my recent post, Misogyny in Gone, I pointed out numerous instances in the series where misogynistic tropes are present, and how that affects the narrative of the story. The women often seem to be underdeveloped, sexualised and demonised for choices and characteristics that their male counterparts make and have with no consequence. Of course this is not true for every female character, and it is certainly not present all the time, but it still has a huge impact on the story. There is one scene in particular though, that seems to subvert these tropes and I wanted to talk about it as I think it is both a really important aspect of the story and introduces us to a fascinating power dynamic, that I really wish mg had developed further.

The interplay between sex and violence is a theme that is heavily prevalent in Plague and is present in both Lies and Fear. It shows up in many different forms throughout the series and presents itself in multiple ways such as: Caine and Diana’s relationship, Astrid and Orc’s Scene in Plague and Drake with pretty much every attractive woman he comes across. This is a theme that mg writes particularly well – Astrid and Orc’s scene in Plague (with a small cameo from Drake) is one of the best written examples of this trope I have ever read. However, for me personally, this scene is marginally outdone by another example of this trope that occurs in Fear – that being Caine’s cementing.

Not only does this scene have the cathartic tint of revenge to it, but it also subverts this trope in that it is the woman who is the perpetrator and the man (boy) who is the victim. When I first read Fear, nothing about this scene seemed even remotely sexual to me (because I was a child and unless it was outright stated I was never going to pick up on it.) But, when I re-read the scene a few days ago in preparation for my misogyny in gone post, I noticed how reminiscent Penny’s takedown of Caine is to the way women typically experience sexual violence (both in media and real life.)

So the scene starts out with Caine turning up to Penny’s house to discuss the situation with Cigar. Great. Fast forward a bit and we get to Penny outright telling Caine that she has a crush on him….and him outright rejecting her. Instead of accepting this, she pushes, telling him that she could be anyone in his imagination. He rejects her again. And she does not take that well. While she doesn’t show it on the outside, we as a reader get to see her internal monologue, where she has an extremely inappropriate reaction to his rejection. It is clear from this that she feels entitled to his affection, despite him never giving any indication that her feelings were reciprocated. Penny seems to believe that Caine has falsely led her on, but we as a reader know that he has rejected any and all advances that she has made and has not ever, in canon, used her crush to manipulate her. (Before I continue I want to make it clear that I am by no means saying that Caine is innocent. Penny has every right to be angry with him for a multitude of other reasons. But her reasoning here is misguided.) So the first question that this brings to mind is: Would Penny have continued with the cementing if Caine had welcomed her advances?? I think mg left this purposely ambiguous. But I like (and I use this word very loosely) the idea that she wouldn’t have. The trope of a woman having to cater to the desires of a man in order to avoid violence is one that is common in all types of media, and is one that we see throughout Gone as well. The best examples being Astrid with Sam and, of course, Diana with Caine. Both of these women are forced to conform to what Sam and Caine want them to be in order to be safe in the FAYZ, and so mg flipping the switch on this and having Caine’s inability to capitulate Penny’s desires being the final straw to his downfall (even if he was unaware of this fact) is an amazing touch.

This theme is then continued in the way that Penny takes Caine down…by drugging him and incapacitating him. Now, these are occurrences that are usually associated with date r@pe, which is something that is mostly experienced by women. Of course, this is not what actually happened in the book, but the association is there for a reason, I’m sure. Given Penny’s attraction to Caine, her take-down of him is inherently sexual in both its execution and come about. Her extreme reaction to his refusal is probably a result of her less-than-ideal childhood. We are told than Penny’s father used to take inappropriate pictures of her older, but still under-aged sister. When her sister became of age, Penny assumed that her father would move on to her, but instead he skipped her and began taking photos of her younger sister. Mg doesn’t really go into much detail on how this must have affected Penny’s psyche – only that she was so jealous that she took her father’s laptop into the school and showed the other students, resulting in his arrest. It is heavily implied that Penny’s parents were not affectionate – they neglected their children (at least emotionally) and so Penny sought out attention and affection, as any child would. Seeing how much time her father spent with her older sister, and seeing why – it isn’t hard to believe that Penny would equate sexualisation to affection, and even love. (lemme just have a cry real quick.) This makes sense when you take into account her reaction to Caine’s refusal (which was actually pretty mild) and even when you look at earlier events – such as him helping to bathe her. I can’t speak for everyone, but if someone broke MY legs and then came in to help bathe me, I would not be happy, and yet Penny seems to almost enjoy it. We then learn that Penny and her sisters were sent to live with their aunt after their mother became too depressed to care for them. And, once again, Penny found that her sisters were getting all the attention. So she reacted with violence – by putting bleach in her older sister’s cereal. She later found out that her father had committed suicide in prison, after being beaten by other inmates. And so Penny’s formative years have been tinted with sex and violence – two things that no child should be exposed to (although that’s kind of the whole premise of the series.) When you look at her past it becomes clear that her take-down of Caine was an attempt to gain control over one of the many people who have denied her affection in favour of giving it to someone else. As she associates sex with affection, and responds to a lack of affection with violence, it makes sense that she would attack him in a way that is associated with sexual violence.

My final point is in relation to the actions that she takes while Caine is unconscious. She does three things that really give us an insight into her mentality regarding the cementing:

- She cements him

- She makes a tin foil crown for him

- She cuts off his shirt

These actions again are reminiscent, at least subtextually, of the act of r@pe - a sexual crime done with the intent to both incapacitate and embarrass the victim – in essence, a power-play. And this is exactly what Penny does. She begins by entrapping him in the cement, taking his power from him. We know that Penny was not scared of Caine’s power, this was not an act of paranoia as the cementing of the Coates kids was. But rather, she knew how much his power meant to him, how much he relied on it – and she wanted to make him feel just as powerless as he had made her feel. This is further reinforced by her making the tin foil crown. Of course, she partly did this to cause him more pain (she literally stapled it to his head), but the main reason was to embarrass him. To turn his own narcissism against him. And then, to top it all off, she cuts of his shirt – which is just straight up sexual assault. This is the moment in the scene where the interplay between sex and violence really comes out. As she sees it, sexualisation is a form of affection. But as her whole life she has been denied any form of affection she has twisted this in her mind to where she sees violence as a viable outlet of emotions – or rather a replacement for affection. I think Caine’s cementing showed the breaking point for Penny – there are so many things she wants to communicate (her anger at Caine for all the horrible things he has done to her, her affection towards him, her desire for power and respect) and she just doesn’t have the emotional intelligence to do it, due to years of witnessing sexual assault and experiencing neglect. So instead everything gets distilled down into this twisted act of violence where she both expresses all of these things and gets none of them.

I really love this scene as I think it is a great example of mg’s writing ability. I know her attack of Caine was not only due unrequited affections, but I think this side of it is really excellently written, and makes me wish that we has seen more of Penny. I think it would have been a very interesting plot twist and a great use of character if Penny had managed to discard of Drake in Fear and take over his role in the story. Anyway this was only meant to be a short post and I really rambled on (as if anyone is surprised by now). Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment on/ criticise this!! :)

#the gone series #penny

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mryddinwilt · 4 years

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stop reeling me in (and letting me go)- Part 9

Summary: S3 canon divergence. No time portal and Emma and Henry went back to New York. Hook ferries Henry to Storybrooke every other weekend so he can be with Regina. Mutual pining ensues.

Formerly called CS+Mutual Pining and written as answers to asks. I figured since it was at 6k I should give it a name and post it on an archive.

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Killian watched as Emma walked down the dock and climbed into Regina’s car. He blew out his breath and cursed. Perhaps he should have expected that his trip with Emma would turn into a disaster. Ever since he had restored her memories their interactions had been strained why should it change now?

When Emma left for New York City she had made it clear, she didn’t need or want him in her life. But then she had called him for help and so he had allowed himself to hope and the pain of reality had hit hard.

He ran a hand through his hair thinking of their last moments together. He must be mad. He was certainly a glutton for punishment. It was exquisite torture to touch her hand, to watch her eyes ignite with passion only to have her pull away as if burned. Killian loved Emma for her walls but it still hurt when he banged against them.

Killian knew that the spark they had could be nurtured into a fire if she would only let him in. But she was determined to keep him at a distance, her walls firmly in place and he could do nothing but accept it. He certainly was crazy. Because despite the inevitable rejection he had offered his help, he would offer her anything she asked. But she hadn’t asked.

Just as he hadn’t asked why she had come to Storybrooke. He had been turning over their argument as they docked. Thinking back to her quick temper when he picked her up, the way she had been searching his cabin, and the defensive way she denied her actions. Add to that the arrival of Regina and Emma’s steadfast refusal of his help and it was easy to see something was up and Killian knew the only person who could shed some light on the situation was Snow White.

He glanced at the sun high in the sky and decided to check first at Granny’s. Snow wasn’t there but Ruby was.

“And what are you doing here?” She asked.

“It may have escaped your notice but I do live in this fine establishment.” He gave her a sarcastic smile.

Ruby rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. Where’s Emma?”

He fluttered his hand. “Off with Regina.”

“And why aren’t you with her?”

“Quite simply because the dear lady didn’t want me.”

She scoffed. “I doubt it.”

Killian gave a small smile. Ruby’s confidence in Emma’s affections was strangely comforting.

“Emma’s back?” Killian turned to see one of the dwarves standing behind him and looking eager. Killian thought his name was Grumpy but was fairly certain it should be Gossipy.

“Yeah she called Hook and he picked her up in his ship,” Ruby answered.

Gossipy’s eyes gleamed and he abruptly turned. “Hey everyone Emma’s back!” He announced loudly.

Killian sighed. Emma wouldn’t thank him for announcing her presence to the town.

“Now you’ve done it,” he said as Gossipy left to spread his news.

Ruby shrugged. “Listen, she snuck away without letting anyone say a real goodbye to her. Seems fair to let them know she’s back.” The bitterness in Ruby’s voice made Killian raise his eyebrow but he didn’t push her. A few weeks ago, over a bottle of rum, they had discussed Ruby’s feelings of frustration and abandonment over Emma’s abrupt departure. Killian wasn’t the only one hurt by Emma’s choices.

“In any case, I am looking for Snow. Have you seen her?”

“She just came by and grabbed David’s lunch. Why?”

“I have some questions for her.”

“Why are you looking for the mother when we both know it’s the daughter that--” Ruby was interrupted by Carl demanding coffee.

“I’ll let you see to your customers, love.”

Ruby gave him a look before turning away and Killian felt as if he had escaped a tongue lashing. That was the problem with becoming friendly with people, they started to give you all kinds of well-intentioned advice.

When Killian walked into the police station the royal couple was halfway through their lunch.

“Hook what brings you here?” David asked.

“Is she here?” Snow said at the same time.

David looked at his wife. “Is who here?”

“Emma.” Killian and Snow answered together.

“What?” The Prince stood up.

“David calm down.” Snow grabbed at his sleeve but he wouldn’t sit.

“How? Why?” He looked at Killian for answers.

Killian shrugged. “Don’t look at me, mate. This is all your wife’s scheme.”

“I wouldn’t call it a scheme,” Snow said.

“Will someone please just tell me what is going on?” David broke in.

“There isn’t much to tell. I talked with Killian and he said that Emma wasn’t happy in New York.”

“I said she was content.” Killian put in, regretting his free tongue.

“Same thing.” Snow brushed aside his interjection. “So I called her and gave her a little nudge.”

“A nudge?” David frowned. “Snow we talked about this. Emma made her decision and we promised to respect it.”

“I only promised because I thought she wouldn’t stay away for very long.” Killian snorted as David put his face in his palm. “But it’s been almost two months and she is too stubborn to admit that she is wrong.”

“I wonder where she got that from,” Killian said under his breath, earning looks from both David and Snow.

“Emma belongs in Storybrooke,” Snow said firmly. “This wouldn’t be the first time that I had to remind her of that fact. And I am sure once all the dust settles she will thank me for whatever little lies I had to tell.”

“Tell me, love. What exactly did you say to get her to return?” Killian leaned against the doorframe, trying to affect a nonchalance he didn’t feel.

Snow shrugged. “Nothing much. I just mentioned that Zelena had tried to escape.”

“That’s all?” David asked.

“And maybe implied that we thought Hook was involved.”

“What?” Killian sat up straight. Everything fell into place. Emma thought he had betrayed the town. She didn’t want his help because she thought he was the enemy. His gut twisted. He thought that Emma had seen beyond the pirate to the man of honor he was trying to be. But all it took was some insinuations from her mother and she lost faith in him.

“Snow why would you do that?” David turned to Killian. “I’m sorry. We trust you. We don’t think you had anything to do with Zelena’s escape attempt.” Killian couldn’t help the little ball of warmth in his chest at David’s words. To be trusted, to be apologized to, and defended, was rather a novel experience for him. Although he wished it was the daughter and not the father making a declaration it felt good all the same.

David turned back to Snow “You know it was Gold.”

Snow sighed. “Yes but Emma doesn’t know that and I thought clearing Hook’s name would be an incentive for her to come home.”

“Yes, well, I rather think you overestimate your daughter’s faith in me.”

“Oh I don’t think so,” Snow said. David chuckled but Killian failed to see the humor in the situation.

“In any case, Emma will know very soon that it was the Crocodile. Regina met her at the dock.

“Oh, Regina knows the plan.”

“You told Regina but not me?” This time David sounded a little hurt.

“I knew you wouldn’t like the idea. And Regina agrees with me about Emma. She even came up with some of the plan.”

“Besides besmirching my good name. What exactly is this plan?” Killian asked.

“To show Emma that we don’t need her.” At the blank looks from Killian and David Snow explained further. “Why did Emma leave? I know she talked about how it was too dangerous and how her life was in New York but I don’t think that was the truth. I think it was because she didn’t want the stress and responsibility of being the Savior.”

“The price of being the Savior is that she doesn’t get a day off,” David said as if he was quoting a previous conversation.

“Exactly.” Snow nodded. “Being here, having everyone’s happiness and survival depending on her, was too much pressure. But if we can get Emma to realize that Storybrooke doesn’t need a savior anymore. If she can see that we are all happy and getting along fine without her. Then there won’t be any pressure and she can just be Emma again.”

“That just might work,” David said with a proud smile.

Killian wasn’t so sure. When he had sat with Emma on the park bench and asked her why she wanted to leave she hadn’t spoken of responsibility or being the savior. She had talked about belonging and home. She had claimed that she could make her false memories real, that she could make New York her real home.

But perhaps Snow was right and part of the appeal of New York City was that Emma had no life or death responsibilities there. Killian remembered the smile on her face in the hospital hallway when she confessed her magic hadn’t returned.

“I won’t need it in New York.”

She had said before turning away from him to greet her new brother. In that moment Killian had known Emma was leaving and he could do nothing to stop her. He could still feel the pain of that realization.

“Hook.” Snow brought him out of his thoughts. David and her stared at him. “Do you think it will work?”

He shrugged. “I don’t have a clue. When it comes to your daughter...” He shook his head not knowing how to finish the sentence.

“Well I think it’s worth a try,” David said.

Killian gave a half-smile. “Yes, of course. If you will excuse me I have a report to give to Regina.” He had no intention of going to Regina. He needed to escape and think everything through. He was almost to the door when Snow spoke.

“You should come to dinner tonight.”

Killian turned. “Dinner? I don’t think--”

“You should come. I’m making shepherds pie.” David said.

Killian had attended dinner parties at the Charmings a few times and always found it pleasant. Snow, in particular, was quite the spectacle when she was three sheets to the wind. But Emma would be there and he didn’t know how to face her knowing that she no longer trusted him.

“I fear I have a previous engagement,” he lied.

“Who is getting engaged?” Killian spun to see Emma standing in the doorway looking confused.

“Emma!” Her parents jumped up and rushed past Killian. They wrapped her in a group hug. Emma closed her eyes and seemed to melt into them. The smile on her face was so contented that Killian felt he was witnessing something far too personal. He was about to look away when Emma’s face shifted to a more neutral smile and she started disentangling herself.

“Okay calm down. I’ve only been gone a month.” Emma said.

“It’s been almost two months.” Snow corrected with a fond smile.

“We are allowed to miss our daughter,” David added. “And it’s okay to admit you missed us too.”

Instead of replying Emma fixed her too green eyes on Killian. “Whatcha doing here Hook?” She took a step toward him, leaving her parents behind. Her tone reminded him that, thanks to Snow, Emma thought he was a traitor. He frowned, trying not to let the hurt show.

“He just dropped by to see if he was on the patrol schedule,” David answered smoothly.

Emma’s eyebrows shot up. “Patrol schedule? Are you a deputy now?”

“Don’t sound so surprised, love. Weren’t you the one who said I should try being a part of something?” Killian congratulated himself on sounding surly instead of sad.

Emma frowned at him but he couldn’t tell if she was upset that he had taken her advice or that she suspected him of foul play.

“He isn’t a deputy,” David broke in. “He just helps from time to time. I wanted someone I could trust.”

Killian gave David a grateful smile.

“Okay.” Emma drew out the syllable as she looked between her father and Killian. “Well, that’s new.”

“People trusting me?” Killian tried to veil his hurt in nonchalance.

“No. That’s not what I meant.” Emma met his eyes and he saw confusion there. He pasted on a smirk and resisted the urge to ask her what did she mean. Did she think he was in league with Zelena? Did she think her parents foolish for trusting him? He tore his eyes from hers and found David and Snow watching them closely. He didn’t want to do this now, with an audience.

“I should be going,” Killian said. He made a slight bow. “Your Majesties, Swan.” He eased past them, careful not to make eye contact. Once in the hall, he lengthened his steps, eager to escape.

When he entered the sunshine of the street it did nothing to disperse the raging tide of darkness inside him. He wished he hadn’t been so curious about Snow’s plan. If he had remained in ignorance he could have celebrated Emma’s return to Storybrooke. He could have renewed his attentions to her and they could have--. He cut off the thought.

He did know why she was back and he could see it for the Dark One deal it was. The price of Emma’s return was knowing that she could never really trust him. And what future could they have if there was no trust between them?

#cs ff #cs au ff #captain swan ff #mryddinwilt wrote something #stop reeling me in and letting me go #mutual pining canon divergence #sorry not sorry #these two idiots being dumb for 2k words #sigh i love it #remember when this was just a fun distraction from other WIP #i'll get to those too

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