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Eukara Vox -> Issue 43 - Women of the Tiger (Eukara) (6/4/2009 15:09:52)
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Women of the Tiger
A brief expository regarding the parent/child relationship in a work of literature
by Eukara
When you think of parents in Fantasy and Science Fiction writing, what typically comes to mind? In fantasy stories, images of high kings and queens, step-parents and peasant farmers may jump out, while in science fiction, the presence of parents is minimized. Although the appearance of parents in fantasy is everpresent, they usually do not take center-stage. Rarely are the main characters parents themselves, usually being relegated to roles that support and quietly advance the plot. In Science fiction, oftentimes, their presence is seen merely through memories, flashbacks of the main character while he or she is trying to work through a hard spot.
When I think of parental involvement, two stories come to mind automatically. One, Kate Elliot's Crown of Thorns series, is so utterly complex regarding parentage and the themes that go along with it, I would need days to relate the role and impact they have on the story, for everything is their fault to begin with! There is one character who grows up raised by one man, but knows that his real father is gone, only to learn that his real father is alive... and a major player in the world. Another has normal parents... until later in the series when you learn something utterly unthinkable about them. And then there is the prince whose father favors him for kingship even though he isn't allowed to be the king, has a mother who exists on another plane of existence and both parents mess up reality as we know it. Maybe another day I will attempt to go into this seven book series, but for now, there just isn't enough room.
The second book, written by three great authors - Marion Zimmer Bradley, Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey - tells the story of three women who must protect their small but successful kingdom from an invading, powerful emperor. Tiger Burning Bright presents the typical train of thought regarding what most children think of their parents and what most parents think of their children. It is this very real impression that both have for each other that makes this book not only charming, but powerful.
The Dowager Queen Adele - beyond her years, watchful, protective, ever present... Just a few of the most glaring characteristics of this strong leading lady: she married well; her husband was a man who loved not only her, but their two children; she was the ruler of a prosperous, yet quaint kingdom. When the book begins, you see her as a woman leading a double life, trying to make the change from Dowager Queen to quiet religious devotee. Yet, the change has been going on for two years, much longer than it was supposed to. Adele had a reason to not let go of her place as Dowager Queen: her daughter is still not completely fit to rule in her eyes. Relinquishing the Dowager title would take her forever from the rule of her beloved country, essentially disappearing from the public's eye.
The position of queen of Merina is not only the secular head of the kingdom, but the religious head also. The reader learns rather quickly that Adele doesn't trust her daughter to be both. The women of the Tiger, the ruling family line, have power. It manifests by midlife and takes on many forms: telepathy, precognition, empathy, etc., and her daughter had never shown this characteristic. Adele constantly regards her daughter as incomplete. Though she had talents in other things, in Adele's mind, she lacks what it takes to have the kingdom completely in her hands.
Adele constantly worries about her daughter, and at times, it seems as if she openly second-guesses her daughter's decision-making. She thinks her granddaughter is just as bad, maybe even worse. Her grandaughter is headstrong, taking chances that are unnecessary and impulsive. She is young and untried, her life was a whirlwind of secular life, activities and recreations.
From Adele, we move on to Lydana, the current queen of Merina. She grew up with a father who indulged her in her pursuits of strange hobbies. Because she was second-born she wasn't groomed to be a ruler, her brother was. But later in life he and his wife died, leaving Lydana the sudden heir and with a niece who no longer had parents to care for her. At times it seems she chafes in her position as queen, and to follow her mother is apparently hard, as the woman is greatly loved. She knows that Adele is disappointed in her apparent lack of Talent, and in response, Lydana dismisses anything spiritual, creating a barrier between them. There are times that she worries about her mother and other times that she is annoyed by her.
Lydana has trouble relating to her niece in the same way that her own mother has trouble relating to her. She thinks her niece, Shelyra, is not conforming to her position as Designated Daughter, or future heir. She thinks Shelyra is too naive and reckless. There is an unstated tension between them, mostly illustrated from Shelyra's point of view. She knows that neither her aunt nor her grandmother truly think she is capable of taking care of herself. And that leave Shelyra at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Shelyra just wants to be herself, do what she wants and not have to worry about what her aunt and grandmother think. She is ambitious, not in a social sense, but an adventurous sense. Before her father's death, he introduced her to a variety of individuals to broaden her skills and ability to communicate with everyone. Just like Lydana's father had catered to her interesting needs, so did Shelyra's. The result is that Shelyra's upbringing resembled Lydana's; even though you would think they both could use that as a common bond, they can't.
What emphasizes how each of these women regard each other is the main conflict. A ruthless man, who has been sweeping across the lands, conquering all in his path has his sights set on Merina. As this force becomes all-consuming to the three women, their attitudes towards each other become amplified. Adele fears because of her daughter's tendencies and interests, doubting that her daughter is making the right choices. Lydana and Adele both try to force Shelyra into a position she doesn't want any part in and become exasperated when the girl resists their influences and attempts to do things her own way. Forced to trust that the others were right in their actions, the three women each maintain their misgivings, unsettled thoughts and accusations towards each other.
The deep interaction and attitude amongst these three women casts a certain emotional and psychological mood throughout a majority of the book. Oddly enough, the very nature of their attitudes gives the book an extra oomph!, creating a depth that makes the climax to this story that much more satisfying.
Yes, the three women typify the annual Christmas family gathering where every female relative goes at each other, second-guessing this or complaining about that. But thankfully, it was neither overwhelming nor something trivial to provide entertainment without purpose and the nature of their very typical relationship is what wins in the end.
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