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Debate No. 9

Victor Clement de Girodelle: More than meets the eye

Thank you to all Berubara Fans: you keep asking questions and raising very good issues, I enjoy discussing them as well.  A very special Thanks to Sylvie, another Girodelle lover, and everybody else who bothers to read my stories and various ramblings...  This follow what I shortly touched on in Debate Part 6.  You may want to read the part regarding Girodelle there, first.

I have been warned!  I should stop apologising for actually LIKING Girodelle.  Not that I really did before, but somehow, quite a few people out there dislike or truly flat out hate our dear Victor Clement.  Why?  and more importantly: why so much?  He is not, after all, a major character at all...  Would it be possible that there is more to him than we realise?

Many of you are able to understand my reasons and, even if they do not share my point of view, live with the fact that there may be a lot more to say about the Count than initially meets the eye (Morgane and her incredible patience when dealing with my ramblings... thanks!).

As I said, a while ago, while discussing more issues in Debate Part 6, I talked about, in short, the reasons why I appreciated the character of the Count Victor Clement de Girodelle.  What had I done?  Let's face it, the responses were clearly negative...  I felt I might as well insist and explain myself, more seriously.

I am easy!  I respect all opinions (well, except maybe the ones from offensive idiots with bad grammar).  You are allowed to dislike the guy.  I am allowed to like him.  Except this is my Web Page, and I feel an opinion is only as good as its reasons: here are mine.

Now, after the responses I got, I was starting to think that I was quite alone in this disposition, when (Miracle!) I got a new partner in crime: Sylvie is a Girodelle fanatic, but not without good reasons.  Actually, more than valid reasons, reasons I can completely understand.

Before I send Andre fans screaming in horror, I would just like to point out that it doesn't prevent me from adoring Andre as well.  It is just for different reasons, and a totally different animal!  You can LIKE more than one character, and there is no denying my attachment to Andre.  "You only hurt the ones you love".  And Andre does get his fair share of suffering.  Enough said.

In the meantime, when we had our little Chat on July 14th, there were quite a few very instructive points coming out of the discussion about Girodelle.  Some I knew and some more details about what I suspected.

Now, could anyone tell me what they do not like about Girodelle?

If that the fact that he seems to be the typical Nobleman?  His apparent Coldness?  The (typical) way he treats Andre? Or finally the way he relates to Oscar (I know some of you still can't digest the fact that he asked for her hand in marriage...).

I also know that many of you see him as an arrogant sleaze (don't lie, I just KNOW!).  But, come on!, it was a bit much to have him portrayed like this in the live action movie: you HAVE to agree that he can't really be that bad in the Manga or the Anime.

I think one of the more intriguing elements of Girodelle is the way he always seems to stand on a very fine line between being the arrogant Noble (personally, I actually like this side of his character. -Oscar can be quite arrogant as well!- ), keen on his honour, rank, and privileges (or is he really?  This is never clear cut) -How much of this comes from his education, and how much of this really are his personal beliefs is anyone's guess-, and the fact that he is truly clever, calm, and has a very solid grasp of what is happening around him (he is the first to know Oscar's and Andre's feelings).

But isn't that a superb contradiction?  How can you be clairvoyant about the events, issues, even the hearts surrounding you, and yet seemingly blind to the social inadequacies... or is he?

My guess is: he isn't.  He just doesn't have a choice, or has a good reason not to want to do anything about it.

Oscar took her chances and challenged her established destiny, and this is what makes her extraordinary, but Girodelle never had the tools to do so in the first place (this is not HIS story, after all!).

Being the typical Nobleman is, for me at least, one of his charms.  More than a Nobleman, he is, in effect, a Gentleman (not all people at Court had such a strong sense of Honour).  And he falls in love with Oscar (which is a proof of taste) although I am sure he may have had many other offers.  Yet he didn't mind falling for a woman above his position (his superior, and a woman who beat him in duel), knowing fully well of her destiny and dilemma.  It takes an open mind and a very contemporary thought process to admit to it.  Many Noblemen of the time would have certainly frowned upon it.

Distant? Cold?  This is also one of his charms.  He is extremely proper (life or death situations just aren't the same with a creased uniform).  The distance he demonstrates is required by etiquette.  I also see him as a rather solitary creature, no siblings to grow up with when he was a child...  And the fact that he is an intelligent man may place him outside of the circle of futile courtesans.  Noblemen were very often arrogant, but arrogance can be a defence mechanism...

His attitude towards Andre can be explained (if not excused) in several ways:

- He, as a member of the Nobility, would naturally see in a bad light a servant stepping out of his rank (he seems to observe the Court Etiquette very well), especially when his direct Superior officer is concerned (and yet, at relaxed times, he doesn't mind sharing a glass of wine with Oscar and Andre alike).

- Regarding Oscar, he may feel Andre's attitude and the leeway given to him could be misinterpreted and reflect negatively on her.  He does care about her, after all.  Maybe he is worried about the eventual conclusion of such a passion and devotion (and he is not too wrong, there).

- Dealing with Andre must be difficult as he is the only person aware of Andre's feelings.  He reacts with jealousy (of course!) but also concern.  Oscar is not aware of Andre's feelings and it would be possible that she might get hurt.

You will also notice that he does tell Andre, but he does it face to face, away from Oscar.  You have to give the man credit for this.  He doesn't want to embarrass Oscar with it.  And this is not out of jealousy either:  he is the only one to ever bring up the subject of Andre as a potential love interest for Oscar, which he discusses with her, even after his proposal.  Can't say fairer than that...

Another interesting fact about Count Victor Clement de Girodelle is the reactions he generates.  Whether you like him or not, you always remember him and have an opinion on him.  However, he doesn't actually appear that much in the series (or the Manga).

Could it be that he actually play an essential role, or that he is truly disturbing (in a positive or negative way)?  The fact of the matter is, for a more than secondary character, he does leave a lasting impression.

His presence is striking, and he always seems involved in key events, even if he, himself, may not be a protagonist.  One thing is striking: his reserved attitude leads to think that there is more to him than we are told or shown.

As I said before, he is not stupid, seeing things, perceiving emotions in other people's hearts (how can he be deemed so "cold and arrogant", whilst having such an intuitive knowledge of the human heart, recognising feelings whilst he may think he has never experienced them?).  This contradiction is fundamental because it is the opposite of Oscar's character.

While Oscar is boiling inside, having trouble bottling up her feelings and sometimes behaving adequately (the number of times she gets herself into a duel, or Andre has to calm her down...).  But at the same time, she can't seem to have a clue how to handle those feelings, or her love...

This may be one of the reasons we remember him for: the Second in Command, drastically opposed to the dimension of Oscar's character.

I also tend to think that this is the reason why people despise Girodelle.  Shown constantly in contrast to Oscar, how can he be shown in a positive light?  I believe that, throughout his life, he has always tried to do for the best, and sometimes for Oscar.

The problem is, everybody was rooting for Oscar and Andre to come together.  Compared to Andre, Girodelle was the Devil...

Now, I mentioned he had a pivotal role, even if a slim one:

-  In the series (but not in the Manga, and this is probably why people remember him more in the series), he is directly responsible for Oscar having to wear the uniform in the first place.

-  He is a dedicated, loyal and level-headed Second in Command throughout her whole time at the Garde Imperiale.

-  He is the first one to notice Andre's feeling and warning him:  this is the moment where you truly realise the social gap and the difficulties ahead.

-  When Oscar's father is considering marrying her off into security, he does ask for her hand (and I believe he means it.  After all, he does know how she truly is).  However, when she states that she does not want to be married off, he has enough heart to understand (ah, the scene of the Ball where Oscar is supposed to show off her feminine beauty and Girodelle raises his glass to her after she appears in Uniform...).

In the Manga, it is quite different:  when her father insists, it is Girodelle himself who gives to Oscar the winning argument, a way out of the argument, and some food for thought when he explains that he understands because "You can't give orders to hearts".

When Oscar, as a "man", flirts outrageously with the women at the same Ball, he quietly endures the spectacle.  He does try to kiss her, but does not get offended when, at the last second, she pulls away.

-  He is the one to open Oscar's eyes (and heart) to Andre's feelings, making her finally consider him as a potential mate.  Now you do have to respect him for that one!

-  Finally, he visibly would do a lot for her, even disobey the King's orders (now, this is just sweet).

So what if he is not THAT expressive?  Just because he is not right for Oscar doesn't mean that he is not right at all.  Let's give him credit where it is due.

Tragic ending!

I have to admit, I didn't think about it.  I don't think I wanted to think about it.  I didn't need any more reasons to like him, but I have to admit the idea is very much in line with the Berubara Romantic Tragedy Theme.

Eventually, when I did think about what would happen to Girodelle, I visualised the scaffold.  I did not think he would defect to England or any other country.  Not the type.  Honour is, after all, quite high in his list of values.  But maybe, just maybe, he could have survived...

Whilst chatting, though, it was pointed out to me (by Teresa, if I am not mistaken) that Girodelle DID effectively disobey a direct order from the King and the Council of the State.  It was also pointed out to me that, at this time, the normal punishment for a fault like his was... (gasp)... execution.

I did check it out, and (re-gasp), it is true.  There have been documented examples.

We all know Oscar was spared from formal reprimand (and her father's punishment) thanks to Marie-Antoinette.  Girodelle would not, however, benefit from such benevolence.  Not at this particular turning point in History, anyway.

Now, another striking point:  I find it hard to believe that such an informed man in his position (it looks like, from the start, he has been raised for a military career) did not know the result of such an act.  At this point, he is the Commander of the Guards and will be bearing the brunt of responsibility, and the adequate punishment: Death.

Oscar was fully aware of the consequences of her acts.  She may not have agreed, but she certainly knew!

Whether Ryoko Ikeda thought much about this (but would she have put that scene there, if she hadn't?) is another matter.  It is not said anywhere what happened to Girodelle.  Knowing this, though, puts a very different perspective on his character:

Having declared his flame (even in restrained terms, according to his character, in a very proper fashion) and being a true friend to Oscar, even opening her eyes to Andre's love towards her and her own feelings for him (can't say fairer than that:  loving her enough to let her be happy, even if it makes him suffer to lead her to another man), he finally refuses to hurt or kill her, knowing fully well that it means his execution, and he is supposed to be the arrogant, cold hearted, smug Nobleman that everybody love to hate?

He decided on the spot to, in effect, give up his life so that she may live, for however long... I remember the gloomy atmosphere when he disappears in the rain, and truly, we never see him again.

On a more personal level, what do I find attractive in Girodelle (yo mean, BESIDE what I have just told you?), well...  Maybe the appearance (he is quite different from the other men described in the story physically), and it's GOT to be the hair, the fact that he does look quite delicate even, the arrogance as well (maybe I just like bastards?  Seriously, what I like about his attitude is the fact that he demonstrates self confidence, but it also hides a sweet sadness and a few more painful feelings), the fact that, yes, he does take care of his appearance (but then again, I am not that crazy about physical "perfection" or "prettiness": one of my favourite characters has always been Joe, from Gatchaman, and we are far from "Bishounen Prettiness" there...).  Basically, what I like is charm, and personality (it helps!).

However, what I like the most is the mystery surrounding him.

What, objectively, do we know of him?  His father is mentioned for 2 seconds in the first episode (and obviously, the scene does not appear in the Manga).  The only person of his household/entourage we ever get to see is his valet (which doesn't give away much about his life!) in the first episode as well.

Then nothing.

He seems to always be on his own, and yet he is a free, high ranking, titled, attractive man.  And he seems to know human nature rather well...

All the other characters (including the "baddies": Jeanne,etc...) come with a "background" story to justify or explain their behaviour (childhood, relations, parents, friends, social situations...).  But not him.

At the same time, he is a great influence in the life of Oscar without being himself an influence on Oscar herself (he is always in the background).  All in all, very intriguing, very unique.

When telling me why she simply adored Victor Clement, Sylvie made a very good point:  We both agree about his physical appearance (and the fact that she much prefers the Girodelle of the Anime, than in the Manga.  I concur), but she also stresses his education, the "Gentleman" way he carries himself, and then mentions his smile (described as "arrogant", she stresses the fact that, in fact, it does look more "sad" than anything else).

This was something I noticed, but could not pinpoint: this sadness in his smile.  It may go together with his always being alone, and might well explain why he doesn't seem to express exuberant feelings.

But, as I said, he does know the human heart, so what mystery lies between those lips that only this sadness betrays?

She also underlines the fact that he is always ready and willing to just listen or lend a helping hand, that he notices a lot of what is around him, but, above all, she noticed the sae thing I did:  his eyes do seem to know a lot more than one would think.  She also stresses how he basically renounces to have Oscar for himself and directs her to Andre, because he loves her enough to let her go.

Then she says something I found extremely troubling, because I was actually thinking along the same lines for a story, and that was more or less the conclusion I came up with:  When Girodelle asks for her hand in marriage, it is, in a way, a cry for help.

In a way, I would imagine he would beg Oscar to give him a spark of her inner "fire", because he seems so drowned in the Cold of his sadness.

Now, tell me what you think!

And let's STOP comparing Girodelle to Andre.

Besides, I happen to think that, every time Girodelle makes a remark to Andre (which is one of the reasons why he is not liked very much amongst the fans of Andre), he actually does it in a fairly reasonable manner.   He may remind Andre that he is but a servant, and, in their society, this is actually the truth.  He is probably more cautious not to stir any trouble, although he could easily do so at no cost to him.  Bear in mind he is about the only person who KNOWS Andre desperately loves Oscar, and he is jealous.  However, he always makes the remarks face to face with Andre, away from Oscar so that he does not embarrass any of them.  I think this is fairly responsible (he could also take advantage of his position, and his relation with Mr. De Jarjayes).   Not exactly the behaviour of a sleaze, hum? His only crime is to fall in love with Oscar. Surely this is forgiveable?