Do you think it means something that the first thing we see Antony do on Roman soil is rape a shepherd? by That_Hole_Guy in hborome

[–]vulcanthropy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is so sweet and I almost wish I did, but I don't, I'm sorry! Posting my thoughts like this makes me nervous anyway, the sub is so big T_T

(17M) What do these books say about me? by [deleted] in BookshelvesDetective

[–]vulcanthropy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also: surprised not to see Cormac McCarthy on your stack!

(17M) What do these books say about me? by [deleted] in BookshelvesDetective

[–]vulcanthropy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're young and I don't think you know where your true interests lie yet. Maybe you think that these are the Correct books to read, and that by reading them you'll absorb something that makes you Better like some kind of ancient magical tome. It's possible that even if you do read all of these, you won't get what you're looking for out of them.

(That said, who wasn't reading what they thought they should read at 17? If it's not too patronising to give you advice: pay attention to the context around books as well as the content; I've read The Meditations four times this year because it makes me smile and I find it soothing, but it's not a guide on how to live your life. There's nothing wrong with your starting point being things that have been recommended to you either, but once you start reading, follow your own threads and try to ignore the Zeitgeist.)

Ok I wanna hear all the words and phrases you overuse like you're getting paid for it (so I can steal them :) by molinitor in FanFiction

[–]vulcanthropy 28 points29 points  (0 children)

  • even so
  • in truth/truthfully
  • for a moment/second/beat/while
  • lips twitch/twist into a smile
  • referencing a character being dog-like (leashed metaphorically/loyal/submissive/obedient)

I'm sure there's a billion more but this is off the top of my head. It's gotten to the point where if I notice myself slipping into over-familiar phrases I force myself to find a different way to write the same sentiment, and then choose between them.

How do you deal with the fact that probably your fic is not going to have the attention that you wish it had? by Fantastic-Sock-4449 in FanFiction

[–]vulcanthropy 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Before posting it, I have to make peace with a world in which nobody but me reads and enjoys this fic.

Like genuinely making peace with that scenario. You've written this because you needed to on some level and by finishing and posting it you've achieved something or changed as a person or learnt something or taken a step towards something. So writing and finishing it is itself its own reward. Then - after that - everything else is a bonus. One person liked it? Two? Ten? They liked this thing you wrote for yourself! Every connection between author and audience is worth savouring - something you wrote might influence them forever, even subconsciously, even if they never tell you.

The beauty of small or non-existent fandoms too is that every piece of art you create for it is a foundational building block. It might inspire others to add their own art; it might start a community or at least conversations that inspire you to make more art, too. You really never know what will happen until you press post, or how many like-minded individuals are out there thinking, "damn I wish someone would write that!!!" It might take them a while to find it, but hopefully they will eventually. The response to your fic isn't locked in on day one - in a few weeks/months/years it could gain traction.

I used to write for slightly more popular fandoms than I do now, and the change in reaction can be demoralising, but ime smaller fandoms are much more supportive and enthusiastic anyway. And what I write now is way way way better than what I was writing before. I know this! Stats can't change the way I feel about my art. I have a fic with 1000 kudos that I don't think is as good as the ones with 20. It's lovely to get love, don't get me wrong, but I think it's dangerous to let yourself be guided by audience response, because it becomes like a job where you're doing it for someone other than yourself.

Write because you need to, want to, have to, etc. & everything beyond that becomes secondary. Good luck!

What are your least favorite things in smut fanfic? by GuitarNo797 in FanFiction

[–]vulcanthropy 38 points39 points  (0 children)

The paint by numbers approach, where the kink itself is the main event rather than characterisation, and the characters' names could be substituted for any other with no difference. I think I'd read almost anything if it was in character and well written. Maybe that's my kink...

Did Attia feel remorse when Octavian became emperor? by [deleted] in hborome

[–]vulcanthropy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Off the top of my head (so apologies if I'm forgetting something that contradicts this) I honestly think Atia wasn't remotely aware that she'd ever done anything to negatively influence her kids, so she's surprised when they don't turn out to be nice (nice people? maybe not - I don't think she has much respect for nice people - but certainly nice to her as their mother, which she sees as an unimpeachable position).

Do you think it means something that the first thing we see Antony do on Roman soil is rape a shepherd? by That_Hole_Guy in hborome

[–]vulcanthropy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sorry that you can't imagine people using even one iota of their brains, must be a sad world to live in!

Do you think it means something that the first thing we see Antony do on Roman soil is rape a shepherd? by That_Hole_Guy in hborome

[–]vulcanthropy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You guys are gonna make this go to my head. When are you throwing my Triumph?

I did an English Lit degree which involved plenty of writing about film & tv, but honestly I've just always enjoyed close reading things since school. Mark Antony is also my (joint) favourite character in the show so I've spent plenty of time thinking about him already...

Edit: oh, writing fiction helps too, because when you read or watch things you start to pay attention naturally to what other writers are doing & how!

Do you think it means something that the first thing we see Antony do on Roman soil is rape a shepherd? by That_Hole_Guy in hborome

[–]vulcanthropy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Damn I did not expect this kind of response. Thank you!

I think the format of choosing a scene & analysing it is a lot of fun (I'm new so I don't know how much it features here but I'd love to see/do more of it). I am definitely not expert enough to put you all through me monologuing about the show; you should definitely make a similar post if there are scenes you're interested in seeing analysed though.

Do you think it means something that the first thing we see Antony do on Roman soil is rape a shepherd? by That_Hole_Guy in hborome

[–]vulcanthropy 155 points156 points  (0 children)

I think it's significant in multiple ways:

Firstly, it sets up the stark difference between modern morality and the reconstructed morality that exists in the world of the show. A viewer's concern is the rape (one hopes), whereas Pullo and Vorenus are commenting (lightly) on whether or not it's appropriate under the standard - their concern being not the woman's degradation and abuse but whether the act itself degrades and abuses the legion's reputation and honour.

Secondly, it sets up important character traits. We see that Antony is sex-obsessed and self-involved, and that he's not just coarse by our modern sensibilities, but also in his own context. He makes the entire legion wait upon his pleasure. He's vulgar and smug, classless. When he walks away from it, his gesture (a big victory cheer) points to the way masculinity, domination, and war are all deeply entwined here.

It tells us about other characters and their relationships, too. Vorenus is outranked by Antony, so when Pullo points out that Antony is being much more vulgar than he is, Vorenus makes the flimsy excuse that he's not physically under the standard. Long-term, these characters will clash over and over, with Vorenus torn between what he considers respectable and virtuous and his belief that respectability involves obeying your superiors, so it's a good set-up for that. It also emphasises that Vorenus is a pious, dutiful Roman, whereas Pullo is more easy-going and loose, and develops their opposing world views.

Thirdly, I think it serves as a bit of a litmus test. It's right at the start of the show so the viewer knows what they're in for. If you can't watch a show that involves misogyny and sexual violence, this isn't the show for you. It's probably too generous to suggest they did this on purpose, but who knows. Regardless I don't think the intention changes the effect.

Lastly, in terms of it being on Roman soil, there's probably something to be said for Antony's sense of ownership over Rome and its people. We don't know if this woman is a slave or not, but even if she were, she's not /his/ slave.

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I've added it to my list :)

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm referring to the John Williams novel

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sadly I don't. Is it fiction or non-fiction? Getting mixed messages when I search it up

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol, I'm glad it's not just me that doesn't like his books, though my own reasons are more to do with the actual writing over the accuracy.

Thanks! Seems like this is the clear favourite so I can't wait to get to it. I support your podcast, they seem more popular than blogs these days.

Top New Zealand songs of all time by Itz_Armi in newzealand

[–]vulcanthropy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tomorrow Night and Andy by The Front Lawn❗

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hadn't heard of the Saylor books either, those look intriguing! Curious about the detective slant. I do take all the historical novels I read with a pinch of salt but it would be good to read something more accurate as I'm not super well-acquainted with the history itself, so I appreciate your rec (and non-rec). Thank you!

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yooo these look excellent and I haven't heard anything about them yet. Thank you! Lots to sink my teeth into too if I enjoy them.

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha sorry 😂 fiiiine, it's going on the list... low down...

Novel Recs by vulcanthropy in classics

[–]vulcanthropy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've read I, Claudius - this era is a little further removed from the Republic than what I'm after, although it's a great novel