Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Neuromancer or New Romancer?
In William Gibson’s Neuromancer, the Femme Fatale is the character of Molly. Molly is a beautiful temptress who can snap your neck in a blink. The relationship between Molly and Case is based on one thing: sex appeal.
Molly quenches the thirst of many science fiction “aficionados,” or nerds. She is a strong, dominant woman who can be powerful, smart, sleek, and, most importantly, sexual. The book is written as entertainment and the audience is very particular. They want action. They want science. They want fantasy. Perhaps most importantly, they want the beautiful girl who they are too afraid to talk to readily accessible in the story.
Although it is not a traditional love story, Molly is the quintessential feminist element. Her relationship with Case blossoms as she gets involved in his life because of the mission. Their interaction leads to passion. That passion is what keeps the readers reading.
Her departure is important for two reasons. It separates the story from a traditional romance in that she leaves at the end. Also, her exeunt enables a possible new beginning for Case. He can maybe find a new love interest for another story or seek to regain Molly.
Molly quenches the thirst of many science fiction “aficionados,” or nerds. She is a strong, dominant woman who can be powerful, smart, sleek, and, most importantly, sexual. The book is written as entertainment and the audience is very particular. They want action. They want science. They want fantasy. Perhaps most importantly, they want the beautiful girl who they are too afraid to talk to readily accessible in the story.
Although it is not a traditional love story, Molly is the quintessential feminist element. Her relationship with Case blossoms as she gets involved in his life because of the mission. Their interaction leads to passion. That passion is what keeps the readers reading.
Her departure is important for two reasons. It separates the story from a traditional romance in that she leaves at the end. Also, her exeunt enables a possible new beginning for Case. He can maybe find a new love interest for another story or seek to regain Molly.
