defending thomas tallis

[the_grynne]

"If Thomas Tallis was not a homosexual then why portray him as such?"

I've been reading different versions of this sentiment on various blogs and boards for the last few weeks, and I thought it was time that I came up with an answer to satisfy myself.

~

Comments

[modernelegance]

Well to me, it's one thing to change the AGE of someone. The biggest thing you change is how many grey hairs he has on his head and possibly how well physically he was. Oooo wow you changed his age...big whoop, they do it in period films all of the time. I'm surprised when it DOESN'T happen. They have not changed Henry's personality, his anger issues, nor his promiscuity with various women.

How can you compare the AGE of someone against the SEXUALITY of someone? It is something far different to change the entire sexuality of somone. Come on, in a few years there probably won't be much of a change in you as a person unless something drastic happens in your life to change your belief system and personality. However, if you all of the sudden wake up being a person that is different sexually than you are right now, there would be a major change in your life. Your behaviours would change, your relationships would change and your convictions (if you were a Christian) would change. Just as has happened with Tallis, all of that as we know

[modernelegance]

p.s. I'll probably not respond to any reply here because I am not here to get into a debate. I just wanted to voice my opinion about the matter. I know that us "hashing" things out would not do any good and it would not change anyone's mind or opinion. :)

[the_grynne]

kenorland pretty much said everything that I would have replied to your first comment.

I know that us "hashing" things out would not do any good and it would not change anyone's mind or opinion. :)

If you say so... Although I know I don't enter into an argument thinking that I have it exactly right, or walk away from it without having learned something.

[modernelegance]

I don't enter into an argument thinking that I have it exactly right, or walk away from it without having learned something.
Thank you for voicing that. :) However I know there will be some people who will view this post and become highly irritated with my stance. So instead of creating drama in your entry I was to avoid it and just state my opinion.

As I am sure you saw I replied to kenorland. :)

Thank you for the icon compliment! :) I have made several Tudors icons, but I have not gotten around to posting them yet...

[ttishbite]

Sorry if someone already stated this (my eyes started to glaze over some of the debate)... but what if Tallis really isn't gay? What if he is just playing into Compton's affections?

[the_grynne]

That's definitely crossed my mind, especially after episode 1.05. Because of their disparity in social status, it's natural to be suspicious - and it would have set up another parallel with Anne Boleyn had Tallis consented purely as part of some power play. But outright deceit seems to be a action completely at odds with Tallis as portrayed, that's where he differs from Anne; and from descriptions that I've read of episode 1.07, there is some proof that Compton's affections weren't one-sided. Whether or not that makes him gay - as opposed to...bi? - is not something I think myself really qualified to judge.

[alexandral]

Please don't get mad at me for what I am going to say. :D I don't have a problem with the story. (I don't watch Tudors, I am just reading your lovely posts about it).

I can see the problem here. Tallis was a real person, he may be still has some descendants (who have their right to disagree) and as he was a religious composer I see why his religious denomination could be offended (homosexuality is against their views after all). This is definitely not as trivial as to make someone live longer (like Atia) or make someone younger (as Henry). I can see why it is viewed as a big thing.

A similar thing happened with "300" when Iranians were offended with the way the Persian king was portrayed. We can say - this is just a fiction but this period of the history must be important for Iranians. In similar fashion the figure of Tallis could be important for the some people..

[the_grynne]

A similar thing happened with "300" when Iranians were offended with the way the Persian king was portrayed. We can say - this is just a fiction but this period of the history must be important for Iranians. In similar fashion the figure of Tallis could be important for the some people..

Hmm. There is the more pressing issue of xenophobia in that case, but I see your point. I do think think however that it is relevant that the show doesn't imply any kind of moral judgement on Tallis, on the basis of his sexuality, while Xerses (sp?) is explicitly BAD!Evil!! - on The Tudors, the controversy arises mostly in how it's being interpreted by viewers.

Thank you for your contribution! :)

[topknot]

Something I've seen VERY little speculation on is this: With the well known and documented 'manloving' of the Greeks & Romans, why would it be such a stretch that even into the Tudor dynasty some people (note: not ALL) might have toyed with bisexuality a little bit? I find that to be a much more normal response than the knee-jerk homophobia and/or refusal to even consider an alternative.

And for the record, I am a card-carrying bisexual Christian.

:)

[the_grynne]

I find that to be a much more normal response than the knee-jerk homophobia and/or refusal to even consider an alternative.

Isn't it? :) I was thinking about this when I compared Tallis to Orpheus.

[topknot]

Brilliantly said. And having seen that, may I direct you to the Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab's site, in particular to 'Orpheus' who you will find if you scroll down and click on the portrait. It fits so perfectly with what you quoted and said.

[the_grynne]

OMG brilliant!

[anonymous]

I totally agree, it's all the homophobics who are posting that stuff I'm sure. I really thought the relationship was sweet and loving, unlike all the fucking with the hetties. And how do we know if it was true or not? Nobody knew about it, they sure didn't write about it or speak about it, so how would anyone know?

[anonymous]

hm so many thing untrue in The Tudors why this relationship would be true?but it`s more interesting what this movie wants to be..a non fiction historical movie or a fiction movie?for me was annoying the word "divorce" spoken so many times,in fact in that time doesn`t existed this term,also i saw a woman wearing trousers:))so many untrue things,and so many people will think that this is real history :)) sad