Eugeni-logic

[thelasteddis.livejournal.com]

Weird challenge here. So, I was talking to my Mom today, and I made a comment on how people who are all stoic and 'No, I'm not hurt, I just have an arrow through my brain' are often the ones who want to be noticed. I assume you all recognize that from Costis's realization in KoA. She replied that, if you follow the other course (the one more often taken by everyone's favorite thief), and just complain alot, people might think you're a whiner. Personally, I disagree. I mean, it works for Gen, doesn't it? So now we get to my challenge. What is your fave bit of Eugeni-logic? Something that Gen does or says that is a rule to live by? I'd love to know what everyone comes up with. Naturally, things from other characters are great as well. But Gen is awesome, so he's my example. And he's cute ;-)

Comments

[bluestalking.livejournal.com]

I'm a little confused by what you mean by "it works for Gen, doesn't it?" In regards to the loud complaining, I think your mom is right. I think people, in that instance, do think Gen's a whiner, until they actually see the injury. I think being seen as a whiner rather than being seen as actually endangered is exactly how it works, and what he was aiming for. When they realize it's not just whining, but a calculated bluff, that's kind of when they pay more attention, but also when Gen would have considered the bluff a failure.

[rosaleeluann.livejournal.com]

Thats exactly what I was going to say.

[thelasteddis.livejournal.com]

Huh. *scratches head* Huh. That makes sense. Man, you just totally burst my bubble ;-). Ah well...

[flyingcastles.livejournal.com]

I think Gen always compartmentalizes what he wants to do from what he should do, and he's hotheaded but actually nonviolent. He would suggest exiling all his cousins to Eddis, who wouldn't take him seriously, but he wouldn't make a similar suggestion to Attolia, because her court is less stable and she might take him seriously. Before he became king, and at the time he was still a "boy", he could get revenge after being offended through some clever little prank that was meant to humiliate or tease rather than do permanent damage. In KoA he has matured, and he has to answer to more people for his actions. I guess throughout most of the book he is resisting to adjusting from his usual misleading behavior, where he makes everyone underestimate him, to responsible behavior as a monarch. I get the impression that he does a lot to wriggle out of responsibility, but because he's also a scholar, in the end he understands the "greater good" and will do what is necessary.

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

How about this: Always have a bridge over the Seperchia ready, because you never know when you'll need it. Or, a boat under the megaron, or a way to talk yourself out of trouble. In other words, a Plan B.

This one? Be ready to poke people on the spur of the moment to see which way they jump. You may end up rolling on the ground with your ears ringing, but you'll learn plenty.

I also like the rule related to what you mentioned--that Eugenides' grandfather taught him that a thief never makes a sound unless he means to.

[pigrescuer.livejournal.com]

I also like the rule related to what you mentioned--that Eugenides' grandfather taught him that a thief never makes a sound unless he means to.

I never thought of it in that way before!

You're a genius.

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

*basks*

Oh, just wait long enough and I'm sure to be an idiot again.

That makes the hand-chopping-off scene even more heart-rending. But when he has nightmares, he loses that iron control.

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

Be ready to poke people on the spur of the moment to see which way they jump. You may end up rolling on the ground with your ears ringing, but you'll learn plenty.

*already knows that one*

[in-my-niteshirt.livejournal.com]

As I was re-reading QoA last night, I read the scene right before he loses his hand. He's in the prison cell, trying to stay awake, and he tells himself he must stay awake because he'll soon meet his grandfather in the afterlife and his grandfather will be disappointed him him that he wasted his last hours sleeping. This is a specific example (I can't think of others) where Gen's mindful of what his grandfather expects of him. He lives his life and chooses his path by considering, "What would grandfather think of this choice? Would he be proud?" I love that his grandfather was his mentor and that his memory is a powerful positive influence in his life.

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

megan says ...

always be prepared to jump
never make a sound unless you mean to
a little verity makes every lie more believable
have faith
never hesitate
and don't let down your friends, although of course, it's okay to lie to them.

[(Anonymous)]

I've found I CAN DO ANYTHING I WANT particularly useful. Sometimes I repeat it like a mantra.
~Feir Dearig

[filkferengi]

Great topic, sure to inspire lots of thinky thoughts!