"Pictures of perfection, as you know, make me sick and wicked"

[epea_pteroenta]

OK, I promised eolivet an analysis of that intriguing line of Mary's from S02E03 "The truth is we're very much alike so naturally I think she's perfect".

I've already written about it quite a bit in this post so this will quote and use that (because I'm lazy).

Comments

[eolivet]

she would have strongly encouraged Lavinia to tell him, perhaps even supporting her while she did. Perhaps she might feel that if Lavinia somehow manages to do what she did not have the courage to do, then that can somehow put her own failure there to rest?

Awwwww!!! Of course she would -- yes, that makes so much sense. :) I sort of love that idea, actually -- by helping Lavinia, she would've helped to atone for her own sins...aww.

I ain't writing that fanfic though...I've filled my Lavinia quota. ;)

You can see a lot of Violet in both Rosamund and Mary, and actually some Rosamund in Mary

Oh, interesting -- never thought of it that way!!! I have to say, considering this is a TV show and none of these actors are actually family, that's some pretty good writing and acting to communicate that. :D

To Matthew, as I see it, the idea of uncovering deep dark secrets about her past is just rather hilarious and clearly some quirky plot of Violet's. He's not taking it seriously.

That I disagree with -- maybe at dinner, but when he's talking to Mary (with Rosamund there), he's not joking. He looks worried...until Mary's all "LOL, whatever," and then he goes back into teasing mode. "Some horrid stain" isn't a serious line to Matthew (though it sort of should be to Mary).

Actually, I see "What a testimonial" as similar to Mary's "I think she's perfect" line. On its face, it's gentle teasing -- but with a real (maybe more obvious, since it's Matthew) undercurrent of sincerity: that he values Mary's opinion. Sigh...