![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
Why go to war?
Dec. 1st, 2007 12:30 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
rosaleeluann.livejournal.comI started re-reading the Queen of Attolia the other day. (I think I was feeling rather sorry for myself and wanted to be reminded that—Hey, life could be worse!) As I did I started wondering—How calculated was Eddis’ decision to go to war with Attolia? On the one hand, it seemed like a quick, irrational decision resulting from her anger over Gen’s hand being cut off. On the other hand, it seemed really deliberate.
(Has this been discussed before? If so, tell me. I wasn’t sure where to look to see if it had been.)
(Starts on about pg 82 in my new paperback edition, if you want to look it up.)
Why it seemed quick and irrational—
The ordering of the confiscation of the ten caravans from Attolia. To me, it seemed like she was just so angry she wanted to DO something, so she did the first thing that popped into her head that would make Attolia angry.
“War, then.” I mean, doesn’t that just sound like, “Yeah, I know you’re bigger and stronger and I shouldn’t do it, but, I’m angry, and I’m gonna make you PAY!” And then right after that she opens the reservoir of the Aracthus and sends the raiding party—kinda like she’s saying, “BRING IT!!”
Eddis is so much smaller, and surrounded by two bigger countries that would ally against her--did she really think she would win? Was there a possibility in the beginning that it wouldn't be a war they couldn't win but might survive, and somehow they missed a chance at some essential point?
Why it seemed deliberate and calculated—
Eddis just always seems deliberate and knowledgeable and in control. She’s just that way. (I want to be Eddis when I grow up.)
Her suggestion of arbitration by the Court of the Ten Nations. She seems to be trying to avoid a war, right? Or maybe shes thinking that what she did before was a bit hasty and she’s trying to gracefully back out…?
She buys the grain surplus before people figure out what is going on. I mean, that’s a deliberate, rational action. She bought most of it before the ultimatum from Attolia. Was she planning for war?
The ministers council voted unanimously for war. I mean, they all wanted to do it. But I guess this could go up in the other column as well, and they were ALL being angry and irrational… *shrug*
Was she counting on Gen snapping out of his self pity to help with one of hisstupid plans professional risks earlier? No, she couldn’t be… but she does tell him, basically, to snap out of it and be helpful now that he knows whats going on.
What do you think?
(Has this been discussed before? If so, tell me. I wasn’t sure where to look to see if it had been.)
(Starts on about pg 82 in my new paperback edition, if you want to look it up.)
Why it seemed quick and irrational—
The ordering of the confiscation of the ten caravans from Attolia. To me, it seemed like she was just so angry she wanted to DO something, so she did the first thing that popped into her head that would make Attolia angry.
“War, then.” I mean, doesn’t that just sound like, “Yeah, I know you’re bigger and stronger and I shouldn’t do it, but, I’m angry, and I’m gonna make you PAY!” And then right after that she opens the reservoir of the Aracthus and sends the raiding party—kinda like she’s saying, “BRING IT!!”
Eddis is so much smaller, and surrounded by two bigger countries that would ally against her--did she really think she would win? Was there a possibility in the beginning that it wouldn't be a war they couldn't win but might survive, and somehow they missed a chance at some essential point?
Why it seemed deliberate and calculated—
Eddis just always seems deliberate and knowledgeable and in control. She’s just that way. (I want to be Eddis when I grow up.)
Her suggestion of arbitration by the Court of the Ten Nations. She seems to be trying to avoid a war, right? Or maybe shes thinking that what she did before was a bit hasty and she’s trying to gracefully back out…?
She buys the grain surplus before people figure out what is going on. I mean, that’s a deliberate, rational action. She bought most of it before the ultimatum from Attolia. Was she planning for war?
The ministers council voted unanimously for war. I mean, they all wanted to do it. But I guess this could go up in the other column as well, and they were ALL being angry and irrational… *shrug*
Was she counting on Gen snapping out of his self pity to help with one of his
What do you think?
