Food for Thought

[philia-fan.livejournal.com]

The most recent Horn Book includes an article about ethnic diversity, or the lack thereof, in fantasy.  Eugenides is mentioned as an example of a nonwhite hero, though the article notes that the cover art of KoA gives him a "pink and white" complexion.  I thought it would be interesting to ask the folks here what their take on that is.  I know this cover is much adored -- but do you think Eugenides is too white?  (I thought so, when I first saw it)
Also, it's worth considering while you read or reread the book -- just how "other" is Eugenides to the Attolians?  He can disguise his Eddisian accent, but he can't hide his skin color.  How dark is he?  How light are they?  Is this a factor in the mistrust and dislike he faces in the Attolian court?

Comments

Gen's "ethnicity"

[netslefj.livejournal.com]

I've always seen Gen as slight, Mediterranean skin tone, dark haired, and physically maturing slowly - he may never have much facial hair, he may look young for a couple of decades more. That's part of what throws the Attolians off when they are told to consider him their King. The KoA cover bothers me because it seems like the illustrator didn't quite bother to comprehend the story.

Here's hoping Gen doesn't have to tempt death or fight off any more massive infections for a while. I've never known another character who throws his mortality into the equation so wholeheartedly and often as Gen does.

Re: Gen's "ethnicity"

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

I picture Gen pretty much the same way. As not having filled out yet, although the description of him in KoA in the steam room didn't make him sound too immature. Maybe a wiry build.

Why do you think he is so careless with himself? Maybe because he hates to lose so much? Because he never gives up? Even more than his injuries, I think of Ornon's comment that he sometimes thinks he can't manage the jumps but he always jumps anyway. The scenes where he is sick and feverish seem to be used to make us more sympathetic to Gen and his sense of honor.

Re: Gen's "ethnicity"

[netslefj.livejournal.com]

The more I reread, the more I think that Gen's belief in his god is behind his apparent risk-taking. Maybe it's immaturity, too? Eddis doesn't think this way. Remember his conversation with Eddis just after his unauthorized scouting mission to Attolia in QoA?

Re: Gen's "ethnicity"

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

"What would I do if they send back the pieces?" "Bury them?"

Is that what you're referring to? I don't have the books, and so not the exact quote.

Re: Gen's "ethnicity"

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

Or maybe it's something to do with his training/position as Thief. Isn't there a line somewhere about the thieves not being trained in self-preservation? Or did I just dream that up?

Gen took a lot of risks and carried out stupid, foolhardy plans before he really believed in the gods. That's how he ended up in Sounis's prison.

Re: Gen's "ethnicity"

[peggy-2.livejournal.com]

Doesn't Eddis say that about Gen? To the Magus, maybe?

Good point about when he is really convinced the gods exist and take an active interest in his well being.