Malazan Spoiler Scene Discussion - Midnight Tides Chapter 10 

"Authors can miscommunicate, but readers can misread." Great stuff as always AC

I find it amazing that such a small amount of text can elicit such an in depth analysis that takes far longer to explain than to read. But that's what good, thematic, layered writing can bring out in those who choose to look for it. This was great AP, thank you!

Great analysis! I consistently observe that when it comes to sexual themes specifically people very often react strongly and prematurely form strong opinions. Intimacy is the main sensibility of the western society right now and so it does make sense that people react very strongly to such scenes in particular. I often ask myself, what were the sensibilities say even 100 years ago? The average person doesn't experience horrible physical violence, so I wonder if the outlook has changed over the centuries? I mean if you survived WW1, sexual assault might be "trivial" to you compared to a hand getting cut off(I exaggerate to make a point). Erikson and Esslemont HAVE to know a lot when it comes to this, so that would be a really cool discussion! Erikson has always been subtle and careful in his writing. So MBotF and Kharkanas are especially prone to people misreading or making strong complaints when such scenes come up. Some other scenes that come to mind that are very often either misread or judged for lack of necessity: Stonny, Udinass, Torvald Nom sex scene and Hetan.

Tehol projects a careless, carefree and somewhat chaotic persona, dealing with things with flippancy and a pinch of cynicism. But this is all a disguise - and this is pretty clear from numerous examples in the book - for the ‘real’ Tehol is frighteningly smart with a conscience and a strong sense of social justice. Erikson dealt with the scene in focus far more successfully than many readers. Another interesting video, AP. 👍

I really like this analysis! I feel like there’s one thing you could have added, though, which is Tehol’s clear and evident empathy and comprehension of Ublala’s situation. He reflects how Ublala is feeling as one of his first reactions after Ublala explains his situation, and I believe it even helps with Ublala’s mood (he wipes a tear from his eye). This shows Tehol understands what is going on, even if he follows up with something seemingly dismissive. Through Tehol we are made aware that the *author* understands, too, and isn’t truly talking flippantly.

Really good AP. I thought this might be another scene when i clicked. Your bloody spoiler warning stops discussion of Ublala later! Very enjoyable listen though. Thanks

Another excellent video, A.P.! One thing that can, at times in text, be difficult to grasp is how something is being said. I don't think that is an issue with this scene, or pretty much any, with Tehol and Bugg in this book. Their interactions always feel very back and forth with quick dry humor. I would be curious to hear how the audio book performs their roles. If it's done as I read it then these interactions would be very funny and light hearted. Also I love how Tehol and Bugg are basically performing the same role. Tehol is presenting himself to be much less important and wealthy than he is and Bugg is literally an Elder God masquerading as a manservant. Humor is subjective, but Erikson has a direct line to my funny bone with Tehol and Bugg and Iskaral Pust and Mogora, two of my favorite combos in the series. Cheers for an entertaining video!

👏 👏 👏 Really really great. Tehol is a very layered character. If I put myself in that position with Ublala, I don't know how I would handle it. I think considering how simple Ublala is, I might try to cheer him up with a similar comment too. Not to condone anything, but I sometimes only have humor as a tool in the moment to lift a person. I think I would lack the perfect way to handle it as well, at least in the moment and in the eyes of people observing. There was a lot going on in this sequence regarding Ublala, Tehol and the 3 ladies. You brought up some great points in who Tehol is.

AP, absolutely spot on and based perspective as always. I can’t even add anything. Just commenting for the algo and to say THANK YOU, you are truly a treasure to the Malazan fandom and we love you!!

The first time I read Midnight Tides I misread this, and kind of rolled my eyes at this section. It was only on the reread that I noticed some of the things you point out in this video. I'm so glad you're making these videos, especially about subjects like this. It is so easy to miss the subversive elements, even though they are quite obvious once noticed.

Great video, AP!

Oh I am glad you chose this segment to discuss. When I read it it caught my eye and I appreciated it, but I don't think I could have explained why exactly, until you came with a thought out and clear interpretation. I think I found it refreshing especially because it was a male the subject of the situation, something I hadn't read before.

Great video (as always). I was wondering where you have read these discussions and critiques about this scene. I'm always up for reading more discussions about these series! Thanks!

Excellent video AP. This answers really well the question that Merphy asked in her MT review video. Great analysis. BTW just wanted to ask, is there any specific reason why you and Philip never did your discussion video on The Crippled God? I am reading The Crippled God now and feel sad that this will be the first time I will finish a Malazan book and not jump into your discussion video immediately.

People forget that actions speak louder than words. Tehol here is a good example. Through fantasy there are a lot of characters who think one thing, say a different thing and do different things. There seems to be a thought police developing amongst the fantasy community. Dresden Files especially gets a bum deal.

Unrelated to the video topic but happened read this chapter yesterday in my MT reread. “Turidal Brizad… such a troubled, errant lad” 😅 There’s been a few times Erikson’s been not all that subtle, and I feel like a moron rereading lol

It is an interesting flip from the 'locker room humor' to Tehol's scolding. Also the initial knee jerk reaction often followed by a reframing of the events that happens throughought the series. Also that Tehol is a lot like Kruppe in that there are times when there is a seriousness to their absurdity. I still am curious about the origin of Shurq's little friend.

Is this at all in response the Merphy Napiers review? I only ask because her video did discuss this particular topic.

That library just goes on and on. Maybe AP is a different type of "doctor" 🤔

That you had to make this video, begs we despair for humanity. Are we all to be of one personality? Have one view? One mind? Those who have complaints about this scene should spend half an hour in a Glasgow pub. Let them make their protests there... I would like to see that.

no, Tehol should have been meaner