Is one of my favorite of the Orson Scott Card books. I change my mind about certain phrases in the book each time I read it. In particular, the line of Baba Yaga's about the clever woman wrapping herself in her lies and choosing to believe only the lies that she likes. My reaction alternates between admiration and disgust- as it does for so many of the phrases in the story. Do other people have thoughts on this?
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I don't remember that part. It's been far too long since I read it. But I probably shouldn't this week. Welcome to Hatrack, by the way.
Posted by Orson Scott Card (Member # 209) on :
I'm not sure what you're saying. Disgust with Baba Yaga? Well, duh. You're not supposed to agree with her or admire her; though at the same time, she WILL occasionally say something clever enough somebody might like it, because while she's evil, she's also supposed to be clever.
But disgust with ME? Or with the whole book, because of some things the most evil character in the book says? If that's your point, i'm a little disappointed - am I only supposed to have my characters say truthful or morally enlightening things? Who would believe in characters like THAT! <grin>
Posted by human_2.0 (Member # 6006) on :
I really liked that Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition had a Baba Yaga in it and that Enchantment made her seem just as horible as the music depiction.
Posted by Robin Kaczmarczyk (Member # 9067) on :
Really, tho, Scott.. You should be kinder to Old Women who practice the craft. You shoulda put a token good witch just for fairness sake.. (evil grin)
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
Um, Baba Tila?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
OSC, I think you may have been a bit fast off the gun, there. chickenfeet clearly appreciates Yaga's moral ambiguity; it doesn't sound like he's skewering you for it.
Posted by Robin Kaczmarczyk (Member # 9067) on :
I googled Baba Yaga, she is considered a Goddess by those russkies.. A GODDESS!
Posted by chickenfeet (Member # 9451) on :
quote:Originally posted by Orson Scott Card: I'm not sure what you're saying. Disgust with Baba Yaga? Well, duh. You're not supposed to agree with her or admire her; though at the same time, she WILL occasionally say something clever enough somebody might like it, because while she's evil, she's also supposed to be clever.
But disgust with ME? Or with the whole book, because of some things the most evil character in the book says? If that's your point, i'm a little disappointed - am I only supposed to have my characters say truthful or morally enlightening things? Who would believe in characters like THAT! <grin>
I thought I started the topic with something like "This is my favorite Orson Scott Card book", so I doubt I would be disgusted with either the book or the author based simply on a several lines. (silly)
I was just pointing out a line that I enjoyed to read and that made me consider whether it has relevance in my life. Is the sentement really reprehensible? At first I admired it, but at the fifth read I changed my mind. Whether you wrote it to be thought-provoking or not, it did cause thoughts to careen through my mind.
But I actually liked Baba Yaga quite well. I don't think it is just that she is "clever" but she is an interesting person. If I shared her morals I would admire her. Of course if I were in her presence I would be horrified/terrified.
So in conclusion, it would be absurd for your charachters to be truthful and enlightening all the time. That would certainly make any plot difficult to write!
ETA: thanks Pooka! and SteveThomas...er... TomDavidson (Oh, I am female by the way)
Posted by BandoCommando (Member # 7746) on :
I like how the "Hut of Baba Yaga" that we've heard portrayed so effectively by Mussorgsky (and later, revised by Ravel, etc.) is actually a 747. Who woulda thunk it?
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I finally got a chance to re-read and I have no idea where this line actually was. Do you mean when Bear is telling her he can see through her disguise?
Well, it was fun to read anyway. I've officially lost count of how many times I've read it.
Posted by Robin Kaczmarczyk (Member # 9067) on :
It is far too easy to look at an old witch and hate her.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I'm pretty sure that I hated the eye-cutting and the baby killing and so forth. Baba Tila was an old witch and you don't hate her.
Posted by Shawshank (Member # 8453) on :
quote:Originally Posted by BandoCommando: I like how the "Hut of Baba Yaga" that we've heard portrayed so effectively by Mussorgsky (and later, revised by Ravel, etc.) is actually a 747. Who woulda thunk it?
Actually that was the main version. Remember at the end- Baba Yaga didn't die and decided to make it more into of a regular house with actual chicken legs.
Posted by Robin Kaczmarczyk (Member # 9067) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
chickenfeet clearly appreciates Yaga's moral ambiguity; it doesn't sound like he's skewering you for it.