I grew up dismissing ghazals as boring and old-fashioned, but this book (http://books.google.com/books?id=iarm3k-m2QsC&dq=nets+of+awareness&source=gbs_navlinks_s) made me realize how powerful and witty the classics are. And then I heard *this* ghazal shortly after watching Buffy, and realized how Spuffy-centric it sounded.
Spike is almost a perfect representative of the traditional ghazal protagonist: devoted to a beloved who barely acknowledges him, willing to tolerate any abuse just to remain in her presence. Ghazals straddle the line between secular and religious themes, with the unattainable beloved standing in for God. And Spike pursues Buffy with almost religious fervor.
Thanks for your kind comments! I worry about characterization in my writing, so I'm thrilled that you found it convincing.
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I have a convert! WIN \o/
I grew up dismissing ghazals as boring and old-fashioned, but this book (http://books.google.com/books?id=iarm3k-m2QsC&dq=nets+of+awareness&source=gbs_navlinks_s) made me realize how powerful and witty the classics are. And then I heard *this* ghazal shortly after watching Buffy, and realized how Spuffy-centric it sounded.
Spike is almost a perfect representative of the traditional ghazal protagonist: devoted to a beloved who barely acknowledges him, willing to tolerate any abuse just to remain in her presence. Ghazals straddle the line between secular and religious themes, with the unattainable beloved standing in for God. And Spike pursues Buffy with almost religious fervor.
Thanks for your kind comments! I worry about characterization in my writing, so I'm thrilled that you found it convincing.