pigeonsatdawn

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Sumeru's big four and the four Cardinal Virtues (3.4)

Some for fun-lore notes about a potential connection between the main characters featured during the Sumeru Archon quest and philosophy (or just an excuse to write and do some character analysis using the virtues as foundation.) Archived for future reference + whoever might be interested in reading!

Virtue ethics is very extensive and will vary slightly between different cultures. It can be traced back to Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics, and the Epicureans in the West and philosophers like Mencius and Confucius in the East. I am primarily looking at Ancient Greece, Plato and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics as a point of reference and framework given how much of Plato's philosophy is already present in Hoyo's games, but keep in mind that these notes are simplified observations of the main four virtues in classical philosophy and Christian theology. Sources are either directly linked or listed at the end! The virtues are:

Prudence

Justice

Fortitude or Courage

Temperance

Prudence

(From Latin: prudencia, contracted from providencia meaning 'seeing ahead', 'foresight'.) In modern days, it is used interchangeably with cautiousness.

Often translated to as Wisdom despite using different Greek terms (prudencia derived from 'phrónēsis', φρόνησῐς differentiated distinctly by Aristotle from θεωρία 'sapientia' for its practical attribute) and associated with knowledge, prudence is the ability to judge what action is appropriate at a given time and place. It regulates all other virtues and measures the circumstances for their operation. Uninvolved in the action itself, prudence is the intellectual virtue of using reason to discern the best approach.

Alhaitham's entire involvement during the archon quest was that of a strategist, he makes sound judgements and carefully considers the consequences of actions in order to devise the plan to rescue Nahida from imprisonment. He measured the grounds for the exercise of all three other virtues, and devised the best course of action. Without Prudence, courage may become recklessness in excess, or cowardice in deficiency. Temperance may be self-indulgence or callousness, etc. For this reason, this virtue is also known as the "mother of all virtues". Aristotle referred to this concept as the golden mean; the mean between two extremes.

Alhaitham specifically has many other connections to Aristotle in his design, his talent names for example; 'Four-Causal Correction' referencing Aristotle's Four Causes, 'Universality: An Elaboration on Form' possibly alluding to his advancements of Plato's Theory of Forms in his work. The words on his splash art "Telos" (τέλος, 'completion') and "hule" (ὕλη, material 'cause') are another nod at the Four Causes, and "dunamis" (δύναμις, 'potentiality') references the principles of Potentiality and actuality in Aristotelian thought. He also shares similar philosophies and ethical system; fixed moral principals mediated by deductive logic, and the game's emphasis on his very clear priorities for a simple, happy life mirrors Aristotle's 'quest' for a good life or eudaimonia (happiness).

In art (Christian Theology in particular), the most common symbols associated with Prudence are the serpent, the owl (a more modern addition) and the mirror. This latter emblem also fits in accordance to the work of Haitham's namesake Ibn al-Haytham, the mathematician and polymath who wrote The Book of Optics. Mirrors are used historically to represent self-reflection and introspection, however they also have a deeper symbolism within the game's worldbuilding alongside reflections (hydromancy), vision, light and color... but that's an optics analysis for another time 0(-(

Justice

"Prudence was assigned to the rulers and to reason. Justice stands outside the class system and divisions of man, and rules the proper relationship among the three [cardinal virtues]."

The easiest one to associate, Cyno, of whom a large portion of his character revolves around the virtue of Justice and enacting judgement, also a nod to his connection to the god Hermanubis.

[Hermanubis (Ἑρμάνουβιϲ) is the combination of the Greek deity Hermes and the Egyptian Anubis, both of whom share psychopompos status (beings in charge of guiding the deceased to the afterlife). This god's origin can be traced back to Alexandria and Cynopolis, the origin of Cyno's name and is specific to the Roman Period. The name 'Hermanubis' was also borne by Alexandrian and Cynopolite individuals, the latter instance being found among a family of priests (usually a hereditary role back then). The french Egyptologist Jean-Claude Grenier analyses Anubis and his connection to Hermes and Mercury vs Hermes-Thoth at length in his book Anubis Alexandrin Et Romain (1977), and it's super interesting! He mentions Hermes' ancient portrayal as a canine, what that means and the links between Hermanubis and Hermes Trimegistus*.]

The concept of Justice Cyno upholds vs the material form of justice (as a system, with physical written laws) is an important distinction. It does not answer to any man-made jurisdiction or authority; Cyno exiled himself once the actions of the sages did not align with the notion of Justice he wants to preserve, and he obtained his vision whilst contemplating the legitimacy of one of the six cardinal sins of the Akademiya. There is an emphasis on his character stories on him treating criminals on equal grounds with the rest, waiting until they are safely escorted to the Akademiya before passing judgement. This is a significant point in virtue ethics. When talking about Justice as a virtue, it is more about the Planotic version of it, the concept as a whole:

"[Plato] used the Greek word "Dikaisyne" for justice which comes very near to the work 'morality' or 'righteousness', it properly includes within it the whole duty of man. It also covers the whole field of the individual's conduct in so far as it affects others. Plato contended that justice is the quality of soul [...]" - On Plato's concept of Justice

Plato's true justice involves harmony, non-interference, and the principle of limit. Each individual performs their own duties not for themselves but for the health of the whole. "Unlimited self-assertion is not a source of strength [...], unlimited desire and claims lead to conflicts."

Cyno describes himself as a vessel. Just like Anubis's role was that of an intermediary that brought souls to judgement, Cyno works as a mediator ["Judicator of Secrets", "Twilight Arbiter"] for a form of Justice that transcends him and exists beyond his own perception (perhaps related to his lineage or connection to King Deshret's priest Kasala,,,). He too must be judged in the same way.

"Only the law can judge you, and my role here is to bring you to face the scales." - Cyno's character story 2 "You may say that I have received much diving favor... [referring to his powers and electro vision] ...But I have no intention of letting this affect my code of justice. I will simply continue to do whatever is required to fulfill my duty." - 'About the Vision' voiceline

Justitia, the allegorical personification of Justice is also depicted by/ with scales as a common symbol alongside the blindfold or blindness. [We see some Eremite enemies wearing a blindfold, which may be connected to survivors who benefitted from Forbidden Knowledge as per The Lay of Al-Ahmar; "...they fell into eternal silence. It's said that they were made blind and mute as punishment..." Though vision, silence and 'blindness' seems to have an overall deeper symbolism in Genshin, going beyond just the concept of justice.] She is also often paired with Prudentia in Ancient Roman and Christian art, as they too work as mediators amongst each other; without prudence, justice cannot be practiced, and without justice, prudence may become self serving and lack moral grounding.

Fortitude

With the Mantichora constellation and the title of Flame-Mane, I think Dehya fits the descriptions for Fortitude (also referred to as Courage) all too well as well, usually depicted with or alongside a lion, armor, broken columns, swords or clubs.

Fortitude does not exist in opposition to fear, but rather moderates it lest it compromises the person's good will. As previously discussed, the Aristotelian idea of moderation (stability between two extremes, fortitude striking the balance between apprehensiveness and excessive rashness) is fundamental when conceptualizing the virtues, and also a key part of Dehya's character!

"A highly regarded warrior among the mercenary circles, Dehya is brave without being impulsive, and strong without being arrogant. Life in the harsh desert environment has allowed Dehya to accumulate much combat wisdom through various battles, and she is by no means your typical insolent and ignorant martial artist." - Dehya's official HoyoLab introduction

During the Archon quest we are presented with two groups of people opposed to each other due to the Akademiya's manipulation. The "radical" people of the desert that wanted to believe in King Deshret's resuscitation vs the Dendro Archon's followers. The truth was that these groups of people were never fundamentally opposed, but were led to believe so by those in power. Dehya was able to see through all of this and maintain a clear mind in the face of conflict, which ultimately helped the group infiltrate Sumeru, rescue Nahida and properly confront those responsible for the institution's corruption. This composure and even-mindedness is what constitutes true fortitude; Plato describes it as "wise endurance", and "knowledge on the grounds of fear and hope."

They show us a simulated example of Dehya taking the virtue to one of its extremes; feigning recklessness to deceive the Eremites, acting like one of the King Deshret's followers. Though her actions would be justified and with Cyno pointing out that she could very well defeat them should she chose to fight, she understands the bigger picture and where her combat wisdom is really needed/ how to best utilize it. This is the knowledge the characters in Plato's Complete Work discuss.

Temperance

For example, when Mr. Zubayr is angry, everyone in the theater would be walking on eggshells. But Nilou would keep a warm smile, drawing wonderful patterns one after another in the air with her arms and fingers. "Imagine that we are in the rainforest that has just rained, and that you are following me as we walk onward, saying hello to every animal that passes by, waving, leaving everything else behind..." - Nilou's Character Story 4

If the virtues can be identified as some kind of knowledge as per The Stoics and classical Philosophy propose, with Prudence being knowledge about what should be or not be done, Justice knowledge of the distribution and limits of proper value to each person, Courage of fear and hope, then Temperance is knowledge of what is to be chosen. Shaped by forgiveness and restraint, it is concerned with abstinence from non virtuous actions such as revenge, arrogance and indulgence through the cultivation of humility, modesty, calmness and self-control. It's root word in Greek, sōphrosunē (most often translated as "self-restraint") also derives from the word phronēsis (practical wisdom), putting emphasis in the action of the virtues to reveal true character. Being calm and composed is a defining trait of Nilou which fits accordingly with her being a performer! She has a couple of dialogues going over her methods for staying temperate in moments of unease.

Inayah: "I've already said that I'm not ready yet... Agh, what should I say..." Nilou: "Take it easy and relax. Deep breath, in and out. Once you've taken a long exhale, calmly tell everyone what you want to say." - Nilou's Story Quest

Art was also thought of alongside science to nurture temperance by means of their polishing. Darwin thought of it as a human ability cultivated through socializing, as it involves our relationship with others and can be measured through empathy; the Grand Bazar is referred to as a big family by Nilou, where everyone contributes to help each other. She also mediates conflicts between her parents [Character Story 1] and we see her do so on a larger scale during her Story Quest, debating the Akademiya to preserve the theatre, and showing forgiveness towards those who ignorantly opposed the arts.

[Aristotle viewed temperance in a much more restricted manner, narrowing it down to only the senses of touch and taste. Plato's notion of temperance, as well as in other religions and moreso in Eastern cultures it encompasses significantly more; forgiveness is a key matter in Christianity, in Hinduism literature we have the concept of Dama (from Sanskrit 'दम' or 'दमः', 'damah'). Temperance is also one of the key practices in Bhudhism in relation to the Eightfold Path.] The iconography for temperance is primarily a woman holding two vessels, transferring water from one to the other. It was also the virtue most often associated with the producing classes, the farmers and the craftsmen.

In the Major Arcana, Temperance is the fourteenth card whose meaning also aligns with the overview and symbols of the virtue in religion and philosophy. The female figure is usually standing with one foot on water, and it signifies the accommodation of all perspectives, taking the middle path and leveraging your skills and talents... (see Nilou's debate with the Akademiya) Nilou represents all of its attributes: chastity, humility, hospitality, forgiveness, decorum, calm deliberation. She creates harmony and cooperation, and doesn't over-indulge in any of the luxuries provided by her audience or friends at the Bazaar. · · ───────────────────── · ·

Extra juicy sources that are more general reading or couldn't be linked!: - The Cambridge Companion to Virtue Ethics (2013), by Daniel C. Russel - Nicomachean Ethics (Aristotle) - The Republic (Plato) - The Cardinal Virtues in the Middle Ages : a study in moral thought from the fourth to the fourteenth century (2011) by István Pieter Bejczy - The Fourfold Virtues of Augustine & Plato & Confucius

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been seeing discourse over ep 14 of hometown cha cha cha which i totally understand, especially factoring in personal preferences

but i actually quite like it? of course this too is a personal preference in the end. at first i was a bit annoyed that they pulled not one but two "coincidences"—the seon-a noona knowing both dusik and seonghyeon, and doha's dad's condition because of dusik—but i thought a bit more about the latter and saw why the writer might've done it. especially with the way we saw doha being genuinely thankful for dusik's kindness, maybe it's to highlight that dusik never intends to have anyone die, he just believes that people around him keep dying because it appears that way. but dusik himself is a genuinely kind-hearted soul who just cares about people, even more than he does himself—i hope in the last episodes we will see him realize this in some way, especially by highlighting how doha might forgive him. it's totally understandable that doha got mad at dusik at the moment, especially when it comes to a loved one's death, blaming comes naturally. but if there's anything i've learned from watching homecha is that in homecha they tend to resolve most problems within the episode or the next, because the characters learn as they go—one of the biggest reasons i love this drama to begin with. it's possible, imo, that doha remembers of the things dusik has done to help his father, and realizes that what happened was in the past; it won't be easy, but if he makes an effort to understand dusik (the way we sympathize with him, for example), forgiveness is possible. so i'm still having hope—i still can sort of see where they're going with this.

also another issue people mention is the pacing, some believing it to be much like a truck dump of angst in the end, not enough time for healing. again, completely understandable and i won't debate with people about it. personally, though, i won't complain yet (seeing as how we don't actually know How they'll resolve the last two episodes). especially, like i earlier mentioned, because homecha tends to resolve problems on the faster side. maybe because we've been watching it for weeks that we feel it go so slow and fast, but homecha's progression per episode has always been on the fast side—there are little filler scenes, But it does focus on many storylines which is why it feels slow and steady even if many things happen in a single episode. of course, i know that resolving a trauma doesn't take a minute or two—it's a lifelong battle. i do think it might end in an open ending, which if pulled off well, i personally won't mind; after all, a relationship progression and healing from a trauma are not things that simply "end". at the moment my fear is simply that they "solve" his trauma and close it with a shut lid because that's just not how it works. so far, though, i personally don't find ep 14 particularly disappointing. in fact, i find the ending, while sudden, pretty "clean"—like, it makes sense to me, and it's not all just for show.

even though it does have its flaws, hometown cha cha cha is still thus far one of my favorite dramas, and i just really do hope it doesn't end terribly, especially with how it's been doing so far.

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smol thought after ep 9 of hometown cha cha cha that might not be true but

've been thinking of how in ep 9 we see dushik essentially tease ji pd about his relationship w hyejin (the i'll do a good job as hyejin's boyfriend and the "maybe it is" in response to ji pd's "it looks like it's still ongoing") and at first, given how adamant he seems to be against feeling Things for hyejin, it seems off that he'd boast about such a circumstance. we have seen how petty he gets sometimes because of his jealousy, but it's never to a point where he can actually admit anything, because as much as dushik hides, he doesn't lie as much. (i know, i know, he did say he likes hyejin as a friend, but i have a different interpretation of that entirely. imo he said that because he genuinely wants to like her just as a friend, because of his fear. which, y'know, i kind of understand. he has it hard.)

so anyway i was thinking. i mean it's just my personal interpretation but maybe the reason dushik seems to be inciting "annoyance" in ji pd (aka highlighting sikhye's relationship) may be because he's trying to push ji pd to actually confess to hyejin. i know it's a far-fetched idea but it kinda helps me explain dushik's behavior towards ji pd in ep 9. i'm sure dushik is aware that ji pd has some sort of feeling towards hyejin (especially after that he's seen the llama keychain thing in hyejin's possession), and when paired with dushik's wish of hyejin finding someone nice, perhaps dushik thinks that ji pd could be that someone nice for her. perhaps. after all, we see that he does not want to be that someone (for now). not with his fear, knowing what happens to those who he's loved. and we also know that dushik respects ji pd and actually values him as a friend. so yeah, imo it's possible that dushik may be trying to push ji pd and hyejin together.

anyways whether or not this is true my heart breaks for dushik every passing second and i cannot wait for tonight to get my heart absolutely broken somehow i just know homecha will not be so nice to me tonight </3

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okay but i was looking over this scene again and i just noticed. prof kim was like "you can't press on them or push them like your students". and we see that prof yang did lecture the jurors, but he didn't press on or push them—in fact he was so patient with them, even with a smile you'd never see in his lecture hall or for his students (spare for the high yang jonghoon, that was gold tho).

it shows that he knows what's necessary—for the jurors, simplicity and leniency, so they get what's going on to make an accurate, objective decision under the law. but more so, for the students; i know some may be averse to his ruthless lecture methods, but i believe—much like we've seen him do towards kang sol A—that he does this because he knows working in law, being in the court, is much a serious matter. being a prosecutor or a lawyer or a judge isn't something you can half-ass your way; you have to be prepared with your preliminary knowledge, you have to be prepared to be attacked and again by the people on the opposing side. you have to be tough, so he teaches his students like so. he might not be a kind teacher, but we've all been shown time and again just how much yangcrates really cares for his students, and just in general is a really admirable, respectable human being.

man, i am really deep in my law school feels.

Prof. Kim: These are the dos and don’ts in a jury trial.

Prof. Yang: ✨ No ✨

Law School | Episode 11

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to everyone who makes gifsets for law school, you are doing god's work and i owe you my life

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soulmates: an analysis of han joon hwi and kang sol a

aka: why i am either ways going to be satisfied with no confession or having a confession scene. 

please don’t come for me, i’m just expressing my thoughts this! i’m a big solhwi shipper, but viewing this in a different perspective is a possibility too. 

Keep reading

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rewatching law school after learning more about the characters you realize more just how brilliant the writers are. even in episode one alone i've found so many hints and foreshadowing and parallels and UGH this drama is so beautiful

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law school ep 15 (and solhwi overall)

gonna put in my two cents for the line that singlehandedly caused the solhwi nation to implode.

(apologies in advanced because my thoughts are too messy for me to neatly put it in a post but i want to say it anyway—also this is just the way i view solhwi so please don't come screaming at me if you disagree!)

i'm a diehard solhwi shipper and i love their relationship, and think they have one of the best relationships out there in the fictional world, and also definitely one of the healthiest. but to me, their relationship extends far beyond the romantic relationships we so often see portrayed in media.

kim beom said in one interview that this relationship between HJH and KS is kin to that of a soulmate relationship that's not necessarily romance, and i find myself agreeing with that notion. while soulmates are typically used to describe romantic partnerships, it doesn't necessarily have to start with romance. (many people have pointed this out in other posts so i won't go further down the fact that HJH x KS's relationship is a friends-to-lovers slow burn but you get me.)

but in fact, this bond between soulmates (or at least how i define it), in my opinion, is far beyond what we usually see in romance. as in, it's not just someone you like, but it's someone whose changed your life in a certain way. i know some may be averse to the idea of having to change for the one you love because loving is the notion of accepting someone in spite of the person's flaws, but what i mean is that when you love someone in this way, you want to change because of them. you see them, and they inspire you, and you grow in your own way. once again—growth is a very subjective idea, and even for HJH and KS we can see them grow in different directions—but we can clearly see how they have impacted each others' lives.

it's quite obvious, imo, how KS's life has been impacted by HJH's. she's,, not the "smartest" out there, and we can't deny that. we know she probably won't make it through law school if not for HJH's help. HJH is always there, a step ahead of KS, but he's not just being proud about it, instead opting to help her understand what the laws are and why they are the way they are, which KS especially needs, being a particularly empathic person. but we've also seen that HJH has helped KS beyond simply academics. he's always been there to protect her—almost all their interactions have proven that (the camera outside her house, the hungover soup, the switching seats—i think literally everything?..?..?.??). maybe she doesn't necessarily need protection, but surely thanks to his protection she's much better than she might've been without, especially knowing her terribly miserable life.

but i often wonder why HJH is so heart-eyes of KS of all people. i mean, i know love is love and sometimes you just catch feelings, but i believe there's more meaning behind their relationship than meets the eye. like you don't just look at someone so lovingly for it to be just a crush, y'know? the first reason that comes to mind is clearly simply KS's amicable personality. she definitely stands out: she's not that intelligent, struggling and barely surviving, but she has insane passion to pull through even despite truth attacks (like SJH saying she should reconsider her life decisions, saying that a chance of passing isn't something to be proud of, etc). she treats everything with such a positive outlook, and, well, KS is just an adorable human, so it's hard not to have a little crush her.

what makes KS stand out most, the core of her personality, is that she has hope, despite everything. she's been through shit because of her circumstances—left by her twin sister without a word, been in juvie, has no money to deal with it—you know, entire backstory. but instead she fights her weakness, even though she feel like it should've been her sister, even though she's not smart enough, because she has to do this. she keeps going, even though things keep turning out for the worse for her, holding hope when circumstances are most dire. but why? because she strives for justice. she doesn't want to be wronged. she wants the law to own up its mistakes, wants to make sure the law gets its own revenge. that's why she wants to work in law, yeah? and so she keeps fighting, even when hope seems lost.

okay but why did i mention this? because i think this is what HJH sees in KS. why? because this is what he needs.

HJH had lost hope. in an episode (i don't remember which), he mentioned he doesn't trust anyone, and it's obvious why: his uncle. it's the worst kind of betrayal that causes your ideals being burned down. he realized that even people who work in law can be corrupt, people who he thought he could trust above all others, people who seemed utterly good. and then he just begins to regard everyone with baseline amity, and no further. many have pointed out he doesn't have real friends (other than KS), even though he looks outgoing and friendly. it's not quite shown, but it must've been lonely. and a lonely fight, trying to prove that he will be a better prosecutor than his uncle was. and we know that HJH's nature as a person is to be calculating, objective, seeing things through facts and statistics; it's what makes him so intelligent. what that also makes him is realistic, and more often than not, that is almost equal to pessimistic—because reality just... sucks, as has been proven by the betrayal of his uncle. and further into the drama we see only more corrupt people in the business, so we certainly don't get out hopes fueled.

there's scarcely anyone in what we see who's actually pursuing law because they're passionate about the law, or if they are, they're not often very... human in doing it. examples: YJH, SJH, KSB are all very cold and indifferent types, people who really just come and do what they do, focus on studies (in the case of YJH, his teaching), and interactions with others are treated as "lesser". SJH and KSB in particular—they're good at the law, sure, but they seem to prioritize their position in law first and foremost. SJH and KSB don't hesitate to call out their losses, and even would rather not intervene for justice if it meant their position would be compromised. not that they're bad characters, not at all; i mentioned them simply to compare them to KS, who, despite not having the brains to do half the things she's supposed to do and earning herself nosebleeds everytime she tries, still does what she does for justice, passionately, hopefully, all for righteousness.

okay this was longer than i intended WHEW so i'll cut to the chase: long story short, HJH needs KS because KS gives him hope. hope of a humanity where people actually work in law and choose to fight for justice against all odds, even if the system itself is infiltrated by filth and corruption. KS is someone who, in her first lecture, was grilled the fuck out by Yangcrates, yet the first thing she does after she nearly throws her guts out is ask HJH whether he can tutor her. she does not ever lose hope, and that, truly, is what stands out to HJH, what he needs.

and KS needs HJH because he is her hope as well! hope by itself does no good if you can't actually do something about it, and KS knows this. HJH, despite seemingly just being someone to help her in her studies, is someone she needs if she wants to achieve her goals, if she wants to get back on the law the right way. which is why, in the end, KS and HJH are, while independent in their own way, dependent on each other in terms of their growth—KS gives HJH hope in humanity, HJH helps KS realize (make real) her hopes that would have been dreams if not for her.

oh my god i've rambled on this long without stating my point: THE DAMN LINE.

HJH saying he owes her makes sense in this light because, indeed, KS's positive outlook in everything keeps him going. it gives him a reason to keep wanting to work in law, because she is a reason to believe in goodness and justice, that there will be people who keep fighting for justice against all odds. he owes this to her—and perhaps that is why he goes all out to help her achieve that hope, perhaps that's why he goes out of his way to care for her. because they are each other's missing puzzle piece, the other half. soulmates.

sigh ok this was long ONE FINAL POINT. everyone has their own opinion on a solwhi ending, so i might as well chip in mine.

certainly, as a solhwi shipper, i want them to end up together. i believe they're really the best of soulmates, two people who just complement each other so well. but in the current timeline, them having a romantic relationship out of the blue would be,,, simply unnecessary, imo. they're still very much in the stage of friendship, and are both dealing with their own personal baggage, that shoving a romance would just take away the focus from their growth. i personally think even this platonic relationship is already a beautiful one, one that outshines many of the romances i've watched, even without having to flood everything under the romance light—which i think many can agree with me, seeing as how solhwi is shipped so much. i still want to see them end up together, though, so SEASON TWO LAW SCHOOL MANIFESTATION. please please please directors writers make it happen i am begging you. thank you.

sorry for this long ass post, thank you if you do read it and leave any thoughts! again this is just my opinion, you're free to let me know if you think differently or anything, or shoot me a message if you want to scream about solhwi or whatever i'm just solhwi brainrot 24/7 🤸🏻‍♀️

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do you rewatch this slowed gif ten times per minute, sixty minutes an hour or are you normal

Okay, folks.

ANALYZE

Thanks to eagle-eyed Twitter user @/cewbeom for spotting it. XD I’m putting it in another set later, but LOOK not only are we getting actual crumbs coming from chips they’re eating, but also that gentle caress. 

It’s funnier if you actually see the full scene cause Sol is offering a chip to both Joon-hwi and Ye-seul, and you can really compare how the two grabbed the chip from Sol’s hands. 

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episode 7 got me starving for solhwi, and although i'm hopeful we get more for episode 8, i wouldn't be surprised if the fluff gets sidelined for the main plot (i mean, you know, as it should haha).

that being said, the lack of joonhwi x sol A content just fuels my drive to write more fics for them so once i get my ao3 account up and running (hopefully i get an invite by the weekend – i didn't know that's how signups worked there), you bet i'll be churning out solhwi fics by the week. (don't quote me on that, though.)

but what about you, did you get a chance to watch episode 7? what were your thoughts about it?

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i'm— i'm gonna go cry now

yk what really makes me emotional about the zoyalai garden scene? in king of scars, when lizabetha is talking to zoya in the fold, she mentions to zoya how other people do not want to look too closely at the thorns of others’ pains and fears. she even shows the quinces blooming and flowering, saying that it still does not change the nature of the thorn; it’s still prickly and covered in pain and anger. 

and then in the garden, zoya talks of the exact same thing. about how the thorns are so uselessly symbolic with no real value, that the thorn is too bitter and worthless and how people will not pay attention to it nor love, not unless they see something worth seeing in them or have something for themselves to see in it. 

and nikolai just. straight up counters it. he says the thorn endures so many winters, keeps others strong until they bloomed with the sun and when the cycle starts again, the thorn grows yet again, endlessly strong and persevering and blooms again. and that just. does feelings to you because we see how nikolai sees zoya’s thorns, understands that it’s more fear than a mere metaphor for her ruthlessness and of who she is. 

so the last quote ‘i will always seek to make it summer for you’ is so stark against ‘what if the winter is just too long and hard and it can’t bloom again?’ hits you hard because. they!!! understand and value who they are as people and vow to become the weather to make each other bloom. she thinks she’s been so cold and detached from people so him saying he’ll make the summer for her so!!! that does BRINGS SO MANY FEELS to you in this essay i will—

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“Because I am greedy for the sight of you. Because the prospect of facing this war, this loss, without you fills me with fear. Because I find I don’t want to fight for a future if I can’t find a way to make a future with you.”

NIKOLAI STOP SAYING EXTREMELY ROMANTIC THINGS IN YOUR HEAD SAY IT TO ZOYA’S FACE

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the fact that nikolai thought “because i am greedy for the sight of you” in response to zoya saying “you have barely looked at me”.  i can’t express how much this contrast hit me. he wants to look at her so much that he does not do it at all. because he knows he would not be able to stop, because he knows he cannot, and the longing to look at her is so unbereable that he can’t stand it, like she is the sun and is shining to bright to stand to stare at her, and the only thing he can do to bear this desire is to run from it. because he would spend his life drinking in the sight of her, and she’s there in pain because he won’t meet her eyes. and he cannot tell her this, but he can tell her he sees her suffering and he can try to make amend. and he does.  “i am looking at you now” i will never stop shedding all my tears on this paragraph

[pigeonsatdawn]

i— i'm sad but— 😔

Why Oliver March is My Current Top Suspect for the Leader (Even though I love him)

Buckle your seatbelts kids and get ready for my hot mess of a PH theory. I wasn’t sure where to put this and I just wanted to get my thoughts out. I’m in the last year of my media studies and production degree so I’m putting my 3 years of tears to use and have been brewing this theory since reading 85. Now let me clarify: I adore March, but the more we see, the more suspicious I become (especially with ep. 82 & 85), and while many think this may mean death or something tragic, I’ve been thinking of the possibility it’s something much bigger (Note: lots of speculation here so prepare for a lot of what if’s and I’m only using content up to ep. 85).

Keep reading

[pigeonsatdawn]

i fall

hahahahaha so i just remembered this tumblr exists, so here’s me six months later with a thing i started last night that i’m too unbothered to finish

(you bet your ass it’s a PH related thing.)

i fall, and like all lovers  the awareness only comes when you break the surface tension emotion submerges you and seeps through your vessels you become one with it, and all else loses its value.

it is under the moon that binds us when i tipped over the threshold. highly ironic i thought it; that out of naught—you didn’t even look at me when you walked the arch over the revolting river with lips mimicking its curve, and eyes always as pensive as is known to be yours, amber struck gold by the sliver of silver ray shone by the wink of the moon, a planet within you i am so accustomed to. yet it was then  the switch flips, my bedrock crumbling and i fall.

i fall with the weight of a thousand feathers i float light as a thousand rocks. i drown in an emotion i cannot begin to sketch that no act will satisfy that no word will elucidate— ah, there’s that word though: love, a word i thought extinct from the lexicon ingrained in my mind.

and for the longest in what seemed like endless solitude i fear for feeling.

(in case it wasn’t obvious, this is a kieran pov free verse, idek)

yeah clearly this was supposed to be longer, i just can’t write poetry and gave up, so have this buried within the depths of this blue sea home to shitposts

[pigeonsatdawn]

Tag 5 or more people that you are thankful were in your 2020, that you’re thankful exists in a world that’s hard to live in. Whether that be through random reblogs on your posts, or people you have had full blown conversations with. Whether it’s just seeing them on your dash, or interacting with them.

I was tagged by @justagirlinafandomworld I want to thank you, Yvette, for being a caring friend. Your constant kindness has cheered me on, and helped to keep me here this year. And it means the world to me.

(Have you guys not checked out @justagirlinafandomworld ‘s blog? Then I recommend following this wonderful person!)  🧡 

These blogs have kept me sane this year. I’m not even kidding. We may interact through tag games or likes. Or occasional comments on each other’s stories. But those interactions are always appreciated. And for those of you who make things, your art has kept me inspired in this dark time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I always forget someone, so bear with me.

@castieltrash1  @tomhiddleston-is-mischief @the-tired-cryptid @cazstiell@mersuperwholocked-lowlife @klinenovakwinchester @thefandomsinhalor @michellethetvaddict and of course there are more that I’m not thinking of!

[pigeonsatdawn]

thanks for tagging! unfortunately i don't know enough other people to tag HSKSHSJSH

Last song: Make A Wish (Birthday Song) — NCT U LMAOOO the kpopper has been found

Last movie: Harry Potter and The Prizoner of Azkaban; we're marathoning the HP series for old times sake! ❤️

Currently watching: nothing, too swamped with school and, well, writing to watch series's :(

Currently reading: if you count this ongoing fic! But aside from that, last read was The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black, next to read is The Tower of Nero (WHICH I BOUGHT TWO MONTHS AGO AND HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO READ BECAUSE SCHOOL HNG)

Whoever wants to do it, feel free to do so :D

Tag Game

From @amirosebooks

Rules: Tag 9 people you would like to know better / catch up with

Last Song: The One Moment - OK Go (The song is amazing but the music video is insane)

Last Movie: Hot Fuzz. It’s not only hilarious, the more you watch it the funnier it gets. Layers, upon layers, upon layers. 

Currently Watching: Nothing, actually. I was re-watching Supernatural and I just stopped. Probably will start with The Boys soon but not 100% sold on it. 

Currently Reading: The Last Great Race by wincechesters 

I’m not very far along, but it has a lot of information about a sport I knew nothing about (sleding) + Dean training and being sweet to a ton of dogs and to Cas (eventually). 

Currently Craving: A vacation from thinking so much. I’m tired. 

Tagging: I don’t talk to a lot of people in this hellsite, but I’m tagging people that started following me recently and that I know nothing (or very little) about. 

@waywardwonderstruck @cheerstofandomfamily @lastscreambeing @doidaredisturb @petrichoravellichor @i-do-know-and-idc @fellshish @castielsbeeslippers @evgeniasmedvedevas