It's not a defense of rape. Really. I find it to be a truly disgusting horrible thing and that along with pedophilia should result in the removal of genitalia. Really.
But as a writer, it's necessary to consider how to put your characters in situations that will cause certain character developments (as Sharon points out). I've read a lot about how people (who agree with you) dislike that scene and don't think it works. I get it too. It does work for me, and like I said, particularly because of the way she handled the aftermath and I think that the next book is going to be a lot more fall out. I don't think Mercy's just bam! over it. I think we're going to see a real struggle for her.
But you see, I think this is less about Adam for me. For me it's more about a lot of what's been coming--who she is, especially in relation to the pack. I think the stuff early on with Honey especially, but some other characters, show that Mercy was riding the fence between belonging (which meant giving up some of her independence--exchanging it for something else, or going alone.) And after the rape, that choice becomes a lot more clear when Ben explains. And I think Mercy does have to choose here. Because in staying, she has to deal with her guilt more (not that she should feel it, but clearly she does), and that makes her character expand any more.
I'm not trying to convince you. The other part of my life is an academic, and what I love is the ability to discuss texts, to see other points of view, to understand the text better. And as I writer, I like to understand your experience as a reader. So take this all for what's it's worth, and if you feel like telling me I'm zonking out of it, well, you can.
no subject
But as a writer, it's necessary to consider how to put your characters in situations that will cause certain character developments (as Sharon points out). I've read a lot about how people (who agree with you) dislike that scene and don't think it works. I get it too. It does work for me, and like I said, particularly because of the way she handled the aftermath and I think that the next book is going to be a lot more fall out. I don't think Mercy's just bam! over it. I think we're going to see a real struggle for her.
But you see, I think this is less about Adam for me. For me it's more about a lot of what's been coming--who she is, especially in relation to the pack. I think the stuff early on with Honey especially, but some other characters, show that Mercy was riding the fence between belonging (which meant giving up some of her independence--exchanging it for something else, or going alone.) And after the rape, that choice becomes a lot more clear when Ben explains. And I think Mercy does have to choose here. Because in staying, she has to deal with her guilt more (not that she should feel it, but clearly she does), and that makes her character expand any more.
I'm not trying to convince you. The other part of my life is an academic, and what I love is the ability to discuss texts, to see other points of view, to understand the text better. And as I writer, I like to understand your experience as a reader. So take this all for what's it's worth, and if you feel like telling me I'm zonking out of it, well, you can.
Di