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?
Berusaiyu no Bara; Lady Oscar: All Rights Reserved Ikeda Productions 1972-1973, Tokyo Movie Shinsha Co. 1979-1980.
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