Saw someone mention this and just wanted to add my two cents in case it provided any nuance to how some readers may view complex characters.
Just like the characters themselves, I’d say my empathy is layered. Na-In is pretty centered in how he evokes pity as his life has been a rapidly scattering domino train of agonizing events since he stumbled across Amon centuries ago. I also think, despite their intentionally cultivated bloodlust and ignorance, a solid amount of common folk in the town are decent.
Those truly deserving of the treatment Amon doles out are the upper caste who are intentionally trying to take advantage of Amon’s gap in understanding/disregard to integrate to further their agenda.
That being said, why would I not have some understanding for Amon? I’m absolving him or agreeing with any particular actions; however, to judge him is to inherently use human standards dictated by a human society and human morals.
If the government sent out an PSA today announcing an iguana was leading the country, I’d wonder “what the fuck does an iguana know?” I would have very little expectation of the iguana and would be highly skeptical it could relate to me, let alone give a fuck about me. Therefore, I’d stay the fuck away from it even after it debuts its new “family friendly” 25.99 Spirit Halloween mask.
Thats just how I see it.
(I didn’t really touch on Gwen because they seemed to keep him a bit vague as almost like a plot device, but a cherished one? I do empathize with the ending of the novel, since he definitely deserves better. However, he’s strong enough to find contentment with this until a better solution arises. Very love conquers all.)
Saw someone mention this and just wanted to add my two cents in case it provided any nuance to how some readers may view complex characters.
Just like the characters themselves, I’d say my empathy is layered. Na-In is pretty centered in how he evokes pity as his life has been a rapidly scattering domino train of agonizing events since he stumbled across Amon centuries ago. I also think, despite their intentionally cultivated bloodlust and ignorance, a solid amount of common folk in the town are decent.
Those truly deserving of the treatment Amon doles out are the upper caste who are intentionally trying to take advantage of Amon’s gap in understanding/disregard to integrate to further their agenda.
That being said, why would I not have some understanding for Amon? I’m absolving him or agreeing with any particular actions; however, to judge him is to inherently use human standards dictated by a human society and human morals.
If the government sent out an PSA today announcing an iguana was leading the country, I’d wonder “what the fuck does an iguana know?” I would have very little expectation of the iguana and would be highly skeptical it could relate to me, let alone give a fuck about me. Therefore, I’d stay the fuck away from it even after it debuts its new “family friendly” 25.99 Spirit Halloween mask.
Thats just how I see it.
(I didn’t really touch on Gwen because they seemed to keep him a bit vague as almost like a plot device, but a cherished one? I do empathize with the ending of the novel, since he definitely deserves better. However, he’s strong enough to find contentment with this until a better solution arises. Very love conquers all.)