KEEP GOING NORTH

“Whoa whoa whoa back off mate she’s mine!”

“Nu-uh! I called dibs!”

“Boys boys! Leave me be!”

Most often, I've seen these songs described as two equally unrealistic, unhealthy views of Esmeralda, which both objectify and dehumanize her, one as an angel and the other as a demon, conveying that neither Quasimodo nor Frollo belongs with her. As I've said many times, there's a kernel of truth in this, but I think the fandom grossly overemphasizes it and applies false equivalence to Quasimodo and Frollo.

But I think some of the differences between the two songs, which contrast Quasimodo with Frollo, deserve more attention.

In "Heaven's Light," Quasimodo never mentions Esmeralda's beauty. He only describes the warmth and affection she showed him; how she smiled at him and kissed his cheek. He doesn't sing about wanting to possess her, but about her feelings: "I dare to dream that she might even care for me." He doesn't even express hope that she loves him romantically, just that she cares for him – which she does. So he's not obsessed with a fantasy of her, but loves her for the warm, feeling person she is.

In "Hellfire," Frollo fixates on Esmeralda's physical appearance – her dancing, her smoldering eyes, her raven hair. And he doesn't give a single thought to her feelings or her point of view, only his own tortured desire for her. He doesn't even sing of wanting her to love him, only of wanting her to "be his." To him, she's just a sexy object that he's determined to either possess or destroy.

Another redraw of some art I did a few years ago. Since I'm using a new program now, I figure I might as well start refreshing my gallery! Original below the cut.

commission made by Sabictali and based on Beauty and the Beast by Blackshear.

Don't address me as "sir." I'm called the Beast! I don't like compliments. (the Beauty and the Beast by Jean Cocteau)

Sandor Clegane snarled at her. "Spare me your empty little compliments, girl...and your ser's." (A Game of Thrones - Sansa II)

At first I was indeed afraid, Father. Now, I sometimes feel like bursting out laughing. But, then I look into his eyes and they're so sad, that I have to turn away from crying. (the Beauty and the Beast by Jean Cocteau)

Sansa could hear his ragged breathing. She was sad for him, she realized. Somehow, the fear had gone away. The silence went on and on, so long that she began to grow afraid once more, but she was afraid for him now, not for herself. She found his massive shoulder with her hand. "He was no true knight," she whispered to him. The Hound threw back his head and roared. (A Game of Thrones - Sansa II)

Belle: He's entrusted me with the key to his treasure. He has complete confidence in me. (the Beauty and the Beast by Jean Cocteau)

But Sansa understood. She knew the secret of his burned face. (A Storm of Swords - Sansa I)

Belle's Father: You manage to feel sorry for him? Belle: I bear his presence, because I'd be happy if I could make him forget his ugliness. (the Beauty and the Beast by Jean Cocteau)

"Is the Hound the champion now?" Sansa asked Ned. "No," he told her. "There will be one final joust, between the Hound and the Knight of Flowers." But Sansa had the right of it after all." (A Game of Thrones - Eddard VII)