💬IN MEMORIAM: Allusions and Delusions
Discussion Thread on Chapters 7-14
You’ve brought the anger of the gods upon us
“Tell me something,” said Ellwood. “Something no one else knows.”
[…]
“I used to pretend I was Perseus when I was a child,” said Gaunt suddenly. Ellwood stared up at the canopy. He knew if he said anything, Gaunt would stop.
“Perseus’ father was Zeus,” said Gaunt. “But Zeus wasn’t particularly interested in Perseus, at first. Perseus spent his childhood impoverished, in a fishing village.”
“Ah,” said Ellwood.
“What do you mean, ‘Ah’?”
“Nothing. Go on,” said Ellwood.
“That’s all. I used to pretend I was Perseus. That’s something no one else knows.”
Ellwood opened and closed his mouth a few times, trying to think what to say.
“Your father must be awfully proud you’ve made captain,” he said, finally.
“Yes, awfully,” said Gaunt, in a strained voice.
“Do you suppose,” said Ellwood, “that Perseus ever forgave Zeus? For not caring about him when it mattered?”
There was a long silence. Then Gaunt spoke. “No,” he said.
Chapter 9, Page 125-126 (US Version)
“In this war he’s a god, Ellwood.” He put his face into his hands.
“You’ve brought the anger of the gods upon us.”
Chapter 11, Page 140
Chapters 7-14 are chock full of allusions to Greek mythology, Shakespeare, and Tennyson (The Charge of the Light Brigade and In Memoriam loom over the text like a spectre).
How do comparisons to famous tragedies — poems, myths, and dramas— aid in their processing of their circumstance?
How does the proximity of death and the monotony of brutality allow or prevent Ellwood and Gaunt from saying how they truly feel about one another?
Before their mission, Gaunt is talking strategy while Ellwood is quoting verses. They both seem to know what they are actually talking about and make a promise to have a conversation when they return. Do you think that conversation is necessary or are they aware of the other’s feelings before they go over the top?
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE END OF CHAPTER 12?! DID YOU THROW UP?
What did you think of Gaunt’s thoughts as he was shot?
How about those interactions between Ellwood and Burgoyne?
For our fanfic readers…any key moments that reminded you of a favorite ship or fic?
Want to talk about a moment in Chapter 7-14 that we didn’t mention? (There are tons!) Chat your reactions and favorite quotes in the comments!
It’s the way 99% of me is not convinced the end of chapter 12 is real (waiting for a POV switch like SURPRISEEEE) but I can’t even google it to calm the other 1% bc what if it spoils something LATER???