Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Chapter 3 - On John the Father

[hearseeno]

Boundaries

Boundaries are those unwritten rules about who gets to do or know what. Who gets included and who doesn't.

In some families, the boundaries are permeable. You know those homes in the neighborhood in which all the kids of a certain age wander in and out kitchen, one of the son or daughter's close friends gets semi-adopted into the family

Comments

[erda_3]

This is fascinating reading. I can't wait to read the next part. Hope you don't mind if I friend you so I don't miss anything.

[hearseeno]

*laughs at red-shirted, vulcan-eared pug* Toooo stinkin' cute! *g* Though, I have to say, he/she looks a little more like Scotty than Spock. ;)

Thanks KeefaQ. *plunks nose back on the grindstone*

[yourlibrarian]

What a great series of posts! I quite liked how you looked at the importance of the Siren in revealing the fantasy aspects that were unfulfilled in the victis. I also liked how you pointed out John's dual sense of survivor guilt if he (as he must have) pieced together the YED's earlier role with Mary. These posts also do a very helpful job of looking at what John knew when and what he did about it, which has always been an incredibly frustrating bit of evasion on the show's part.

[hearseeno]

Yeah, I can't imagine that John didn't figure that whole YED-involvement thing out. How could he not? If so, damn he was a cagey bastard all right.

I think they played that scene were John sits silently with Dean, waiting for Sam to return, just right. As much as I'd love answers, when I look back at that blank look from the perspective of what we know now, it just makes me want to alternate between bursting into tears, hugging the stuffing out of John, and slapping him upside the head. That's some pretty powerful storytelling if it generates that many contradictory emotions.

[etoile444]

I love your brain! :) I was thinking how they are so close knit that it's no surprise Dean's jealous streak is deepening. There is no room for others in their tiny circle [ie....Ruby]!

[hearseeno]

Yep. :D

*nudge* Go read about triangulation and see what you think. *nudgenudge*

http://family.jrank.org/pages/1707/Triangulation-Systemic-Structural-Family-Theories.html

[etoile444]

Definately! The triangulation dynamic also played out while John was alive. When John was in "protect Sammy" mode Dean was the one squeezed out. Now, Dean is again the 3rd wheel, but this time it's more due to Sam's idea that he is protecting him. Which is kinda a perverse flip of how John drew the more vulnerable family member closer...now Sam pushes the vulnerable member away. (I see Dean as the most vulnerable in the Sam/Ruby/Dean relationship).

[blackcat333_99]

Okay, so now having finished reading the John sections -- I repeat: fascinating stuff. There is definitely more to John than mere vengeance, although that trait does get a lot of spotlight on the show and among the fans. You do a great job of delving into those other factors driving his motivations, making him more human and tragic when all is said and done. And yet, there is still that part that makes me kinda want to bash his brains in, despite my sympathy for his guilt and fear issues also at play, which you noted:

John's apparent preoccupation with Sam's safety always piqued my curiosity. It always seemed out of proportion with how John had treated Dean when he was younger and vulnerable, as well. When I look back on it and wonder how much John knew for Sam, I wonder how much of that directive's strength came from John's fears about what the Evil Thing that had killed Mary intended for his youngest son.That double standard for his sons in how he treated them. Even with deeper understanding of WHY such a double standard in

[hearseeno]

Thanks Blackcat. :) I'm glad you're liking it.

more human and tragic when all is said and done. And yet, there is still that part that makes me kinda want to bash his brains in

*snork* Sounds 'bout right for John Winchester.

The tragedy of this unfolding cycle of self-destruction and sacrifice seems almost classical in nature. One generation to a next and fate weighing in with a heavy hand. Now that we know how it started the breadth of it is just coming into view. An advantage, I guess, of having a plan for the story to be told rather than just moving from one season to the next season and making it up along the way. It's looking freakin' epic. :D

it still kills me for Dean's sake.

Yeah, very true. I'm not sure it did anyone any favors, though. We'll get to that when it's Sam's turn.

[blackcat333_99]

Yeah, very true. I'm not sure it did anyone any favors, though. We'll get to that when it's Sam's turn.

Oh, I agree. In fact I think that set-up is directly contributing to where Sam is going off the rails right now, in particular... but shutting up. Dude, I could so go on and on and on. :) Will be patient, and wait for the future posts.

[aasaylva]

Nothing to add, just wanted to congratulate you on this series. Very well thought out, I'm curious for the next instalment.

[hearseeno]

Thanks :)

As far as thinking it out, I figured if I'm going to introduce this many complex and intertwined concepts, I better do everyone a favor and be extra rigorous about organizing and illustrating.