Ana_TheFallenAngel

whale fall🐋

grace experiences a loss of autonomy throughout the story. he's constantly out of control of where he goes, what he does, what he remembers. he is propelled through the narrative by forces outside of his control and that's terrifying.

he's also been burned for trying to stand up for himself before — speaking against an authority figure (in a rude, impulsive way) lost him a promising career. and then he forms some kind of close relationship with stratt, one where he's able to challenge her (demanding to keep astrophage samples, telling her to back off when guards want to search her, etc.) until she says he has to go on the mission and then suddenly his will doesn't matter anymore. (from his perspective!! i love you eva stratt)

i think stratt says it very well in the book — he "retreated to the safety of children who worship [him] for being the cool teacher". he finds comfort in being venerated. and that is absolutely a character flaw, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't translate to kink! kink is a safe space to explore one's flaws, to act on impulses that one shouldn't act on in everyday situations.

through dominance, grace can find a voice without fear of punishment. he can feel like he's in control of something. he can command adoration and respect and obedience from someone without that being his entire relationship with them.