Date: 29 May 2014 02:24 Title: Penelope
It took me a moment to recall the legend of Penelope and, of course, Odysseus. It is a great analogy, that T'Pel lives much like Penelope would have. There is the push to take a new mate. There is the insistence that the traveler (voyager) has perished. It all seems oh so reasonable. Why fight it? He is gone; take another.
Yet in both instances, faith abides. Well written!
Date: 25 Sep 2011 03:52 Title: Penelope
As usual, you present a very interesting piece from a sociological perspective. I think this is one of your talents: to be able to figure out how cultures and systems will react in terms of psychological strength and sexual attitudes as a result of a given set of conditions. Here, you've done well at explaining why such harsh traditions were allowed to remain even into the modern era.
Also, these little glimpses into the parts of Vulcans that are still "illogical" go a long way towards giving me hope for the Vulcans, that their logic hasn't cost them their souls. It may be "illogical" to seek more than healthy children and financial well-being, T'Pel may say, but deep down she knows there are things even more important.
Now just one question for "practical" purposes: does homosexual bonding alleviate the pon farr, too, or is the requirement that it must be a woman in ALL cases?
The end, where we see the extent of T'Pel's dedication, is really touching. I hope that Sek and Sotari are as dedicated, and willing to help their mother in this. Good work. :-)
Date: 03 Jun 2010 00:38 Title: Penelope
The last lines of this were just perfect. I loved the whole piece, but especially that last part.
Date: 31 May 2010 17:54 Title: Penelope
First of all, I like the window into Vulcan society and the dictates surrounding bonding and marriage and what the implications once held and now hold for T'Pel and other Vulcan widows. As an enlightened and logical species it always seemed strange that there were strictures surrounding arranged marriages within Vulcan society. What you did here was to link these customs and traditions to that necessity which surrounds Pon Farr. A simple but clever move that adds logic to what may seem barbaric or old-fashioned to outsiders.
Then of course, is the strong character of T'Pel we catch a glimpse of through her machinations to thwart attempts to marry her off. With some clever stalling she will leave herself independent at the very least and at the very most free for the return of Tuvok. Her love, despite the illogical nature of it is clear and nice to get a glimspe of it. Very good.