Comic Discussion > QUESTIONABLE CONTENT
WCDT Strips 3636 to 3640 (18th to 22nd December 2017)
Tova:
I saw that, so I think I am not explaining myself well.
I can see how that might persuade Hanners to "do whatever Beatrice tells her" (although I think it's more likely that what would actually happen is that she'd call in Station).
But the issue is that Hanners has cut off ties. That is, their relationship has been destroyed.
This action might persuade Hanners to resume communication, but it would permanently destroy their relationship. Thus, it would be an entirely self-defeating move on Beatrice's part.
That is what I am trying to say.
I can see what you are saying about abusive parents, but I don't think that what you've suggest is the method she would choose. Some form of emotional blackmail would, in my opinion, be more likely, if she was to try anything and if she were in fact abusive.
But in fact, I see Beatrice more as a grossly neglectful parent, even though the effect is that of abuse. Thus, I don't think she would reach for emotional blackmail either.
I think Beatrice was blindsided because she honestly had no idea of the seriousness of the effect her actions were having on Hannelore. Thus, her reaction is exactly what I expected.
Am I explaining myself better?
BenRG:
--- Quote from: Tova on 21 Dec 2017, 04:23 ---But the issue is that Hanners has cut off ties. That is, their relationship has been destroyed.
This action might persuade Hanners to resume communication, but it would permanently destroy their relationship. Thus, it would be an entirely self-defeating move on Beatrice's part.
That is what I am trying to say.
--- End quote ---
Ah, I see the problem here.
I think that the problem is that we see the character of Beatrice Chatham in entirely different ways. I see her as a "Let Hannelore hate me so long as she fears me and obeys me" person. She won't care if their personal relationship is totally destroyed so long as their professional relationship remains in the way she wants it to be. To me, Beatrice sees Hannelore as essentially just another possession to use as she sees fit. I've seen no indication that she in any way consciously craves Hannelore's love and an emotional connection with her; her only goal is that Hannelore be the child and heir she wants her to be.
Tova:
Yes, you're right. We do.
I see her as being so driven in her business that she has completely forgotten that her relationship with her daughter is something she also needs to put some effort into.
So, I guess you're seeing her expression in the last panel of yesterday's comic as her being upset that Hanners no longer obeys her.
Whereas I see it (very loosely speaking) as a "cat's in the cradle" moment.
Edit: to back up my position, I present comic #922. Maybe you think she's being dishonest? I think she's being honest. She's just... a bad mother.
BenRG:
--- Quote from: Tova on 21 Dec 2017, 04:36 ---So, I guess you're seeing her expression in the last panel of yesterday's comic as her being upset that Hanners no longer obeys her.
--- End quote ---
More shock. Not only was Hannelore's behaviour broadly unprecedented in their relationship (they've argued but never to that point). Also I doubt that Beatrice is used to not getting her way and the experience is bizarre and new enough to stun her into inaction.
Tova:
Well, actually, I do agree with you there. Absolutely.
But I also think it's more than that. She's lost her daughter. And I think she does care.
At least we've both reached a point where we each have an explanation for Beatrice being stunned into silence rather than returning serve, which was the initial point of the entire conversation, so I guess I'll settle for that for now.
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