The Royal We

The royal we—who knew it actually had a royal history? I had only heard it used in reference to couples who, upon coupling, start using “we” instead of “I” when referring to themselves. Suddenly, “I saw the movie” becomes “We saw the movie,” “I love museums” becomes “We love museums,” and so on. However, as it turns out, the royal we actually has monarchical origins. Originally, this phenomenon referred to the switching of “we” for “I’ by a monarch or person in power. According to Robert Hodge in Literature as Discourse, the use of the royal we can both signify one’s power and the transcendence of one’s own individuality.

In my opinion, this use of “we” can be manipulative. It pulls in other people who may or may not agree with the statement. Maybe someone’s partner doesn’t actually love museums or maybe a member of a society does not agree with a monarch’s actions, but they are implicated nonetheless. From now on, when I refer to the royal we I am referring to this very action—the use of “we” to pull others into and implicate them in another individual’s experience or opinion.

This “we” pops up in cultural criticism. Both Hilton Als in “‘Moonlight’ Undoes our Expectations” and Clive James in “Thrones of Blood” invoke this powerful and transcendent we. However, they each do so in very different terms to, I will argue, very different effects. Als uses “we” sparingly and startlingly, while James uses we as a workhorse pronoun, popping it into sentences time and again.

From afar, these two pieces share many similarities. Both of these pieces examine video works—Als focuses on the movie “Moonlight” and James critiques the television series “Game of Thrones. Each critic explicitly incorporates their individual stories and perspective. Both works also like the works they are reviewing, ultimately putting them forth as worthy of the reader’s time.

And yet, their use of a single pronoun sets them apart.

In ‘Moonlight’ Undoes our Expectations,” Als takes the viewer through “Moonlight”’s exploration of black queerness, which taps into Als own experiences and also, in Als’s own words, “avoid[s] the overblown cliches so often used to represent black American life in film.” From beginning to end, Als guides us through the plot of the movie, peppering in “zoom outs” that incorporate context (like the director Barry Jenkin’s possible cinema influences), audience reactions to the film (like when utterance of “faggot” caused the audience to freeze), and personal information (like “every queer kid’s revenge fantasy”). Als manages to tell the story of “Moonlight” as a film that, on the surface, traces the evolution of a young queer black man, but, going deeper, does something radically new. It’s honest—Als shows us this.

Within Als’s sea of prose, “we” pops up sparingly. And, when it does, it is shocking. It reminds me of the first time Frank Underwood looks the viewer in the eye in “House of Cards,” implicating us in the world of Underwood, when Fleabag winks at the viewer in “Fleabag,” pulling us into a deceptively amiable friendship, or when Elliot asks if we can see what he is seeing in “Mr. Robot.” When Als writes it for the first time, it caught me off guard. In the middle of a sentence, he sneaks it in: “…we can’t help thinking…” It stopped me in my tracks—he sees me? He is welcoming me into his experience? It was shocking, yet warm. It asked me to take part. And later, when he says “…we wince…” it was like we are sitting in the screening room together. I could feel the wince, the cascading tightening sensation rolling from my eyes to my toes, as if someone had just poured ice water over my head.

Als uses the we, not coercively, but as a way to welcome the reader to sit beside him in the theater. He does not tell me what my judgments are, but what experience the movie offers.

I believe James thinks he is offering a similar gesture with his use of we. I should disclose, that unlike “Moonlight,” I have seen the work that James reviews. I am a former “Game of Thrones” enthusiast who has since grown thoroughly weary and, at times, incredibly angry with the show. I assume that this is part of the reason why James’s review irks me so much. And yet, his use of “we” keeps me from being even just pleasantly indifferent to the article.

His lengthy recap of “Game of Thrones” begins from a very touching place. James has leukemia, which has left him without “a chance,” but also without “an end date, either.” This illness has left him with downtime during which he, and sometimes he and his daughter, watch television series. It is such a touching way to frame the piece that it leaves me feeling guilty for not liking the article.

From afar, “Thrones of Blood” walks us through the series, gives us in depth introductions to several characters, traces plotlines, pinpoints artistic choices, and relates the series to a broader cinematic tradition. James uses his initial reluctance to watch the show as a way into the series. It’s clear that James then wrestles with his love of the show because he must walk us through every facet of his experience. James attempts to do too much in this article, it’s an exhaustive autopsy of the show, not a meaningful snapshot of it.

Throughout his tome, James implicates the reader time and again through the royal we and “us.” For instance, his reference to how “we click on Play All” (an option I’ve never heard of as I’m more accustomed to “Play Next” after each episode, but this a superficial infraction) trips me up, but not for long. Later, when he writes, “We felt shock when Ned Stark was decapitated, and when Tywin Lannister was killed,” I wholeheartedly agreed. I remember the swift head jerk and eye-widening these moments caused me. However, it is the barrage the sheer quantity of other we’s in the article, like “we, too” would make similar acting choices as Kit Harington, we depend on Ned Stark, “we” could not stop watching the show (an implication I strongly disagree with), “the dramatis personae contain plenty of characters we wouldn’t have minded seeing the back of,” and, in a twist of structure, “Tyrion Lannister is us,” that get exhausting.

Now, someone who loves “Game of Thrones” and strongly identifies with Tyrion Lannister may find great solace in James’s review. I, however, did not. Through his use of we and us, James implied that his observations and his opinions of the show were somehow mine too. In a show that struggles with gender, James assumes that his experience of watching a bevy of naked women was the same as my own. (After having watched the show with several men and women, I can say for certain that this is in no way guaranteed.) James’s use of we does not invite me to an experience like Als’s does, but tells me that an experience I do not recognize is my own. As an ardent contrarian, I cannot help but pull away.

Perhaps, this juxtaposition is entirely dependent on the fact that I do not like “Game of Thrones” and have not seen “Moonlight.” I am reluctant to concede this point entirely, however. Instead, I think that the fact I have seen “Game of Thrones” gives me insight into the foibles of the royal we. When it is invoked so many times, I pull back—that’s not what I think or see or feel.

When used sparingly, however, I welcomed Als use of “we” because it invited me to take a seat at the movie theater and imagine what viewing the movie could be like. Even if I had seen the movie, I think that Als’s review would maintain its friendliness by not assuming, time and again, that we have the same conclusions about the film. Again, Als does not tell me what my judgements would be, but rather what my experience could be. In comparison, James implicates me, the reader, in his own conclusions.

It seems that in both television shows and cultural criticism the use of a transcendent “we”—a “we” that forcibly implicates the viewer—is cropping up. It can be exciting to watch the fourth wall crumble and to feel welcomed into a character’s or writer’s experience. But this strategy must be used sparingly. Just as Frank Underwood does not turn to the camera after every major plot point nor should the critic call the viewer out after every observation. Pulling the reader into an experience repeatedly can get exhausting; there needs to be a balance between surrender and activation. I say, let me watch, let me wade into the critique a bit, let me find my footing in the universe you are describing, and then extend a hand asking me to sink a bit deeper. The power of the royal we demands respect, it is potent and, therefore, should be used sparingly.

The royal we brings up crucial questions in the field of criticism: how can critics draw the reader in without speaking for them? How can critics speak with conviction, but still remain aware that their opinion is not the end-all-be-all? And, finally, is there even room for these questions in criticism? Critics are not monarchs, nor are they our romantic partners. In the end, the royal we leaves me wondering: how can we define the relationship between critic and reader?

Image Source.

1,425 Comments

  • Michael Kramer commented on November 5, 2016 Reply

    Julia — Wonderful reviews review! I think you found a theme—the use of “we”—and probe it quite effectively. The royal we does multiple things: it of course presumes that one is in agreement with the critic (or royality) from the get go, but also, as you point out distances the person from the viewpoint (the person who is the king is not the same as the throne itself, which belongs to all; how this works with a critic I have to consider more). Most of all, perhaps, the “we” calls forth a community, and anytime one calls forth a community, one must immediately grapple with the question of hierarchy and equality within said community. And yet…we all long for community, I suppose (oops! I used the word!). And perhaps even art itself longs for community: a community of receivers or other artistic creations? In any event, I suspect that the different life experiences shape Als’ and James’s view of the “we” in terms of how they relate to larger norms (of masculinity, sexuality, race, and the like). James is an Australian expat, as well as someone who rose up classes within British society. But he also seeks to occupy a role of authority (quite playfully sometimes in his writing, with is worth checking out, both his memoirs and his totally magisterial book Cultural Amnesia). While fundamentally liberal politically, he does sometimes tilt more conservative culturally. So there’s that too. Als must grapple with his insider-outsider experiences as he portrays them through his own identity (thinking of the Prince essay). So he arrives at a “we” that is more fraught, less assertive than James, perhaps. Although it all depends which “we” we (!) are talking about.

    So those are some thoughts in response this fine essay. Also, “Critics are not monarchs, nor are they our romantic partners” is a keeper of a line!

    Thanks for this.

    • Physiotherapy Brampton commented on January 5, 2023 Reply

      Finding Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Brampton, On (905) 846-4000. So New Hope Physiotherapy Brampton offers Expert physiotherapist and massage therapy with reasonable prices.

    • Physiotherapist Brampton commented on January 9, 2023 Reply

      Finding Best Physiotherapist Brampton, On (905) 846-4000. So New Hope Physiotherapy Brampton offers Expert physiotherapist and massage therapy with reasonable prices.

      • andriyl commented on April 4, 2024 Reply

        Чудесный блог, хотя можно и чуть лучше. Конечно, не прям до космоса, а более подробно описать тему, в том числе, в этом посте. andriyl

    • farooq khatri commented on January 28, 2024 Reply

      Thanks for your article. I would like to say that a health insurance agent also works for the benefit of the particular coordinators of a group insurance policies. The health insurance professional is given an index of benefits wanted by an individual or a group coordinator. Exactly what a broker will is search for individuals and also coordinators which in turn best go with those wants. Then he shows his recommendations and if both parties agree, the particular broker formulates a contract between the two parties. link building

    • Bussiness Sale commented on March 7, 2024 Reply

      Julia, this is a brilliant analysis of the concept of “we” in the works of Als and James! Your comment delves deeply into the topic, highlighting the complexities and nuances of this pronoun.

      Identifying a Key Theme: You commend Julia for recognizing the “we” as a central theme and then “probing it quite effectively”. This demonstrates a keen eye for critical detail.
      Unpacking the “We”: You offer insightful observations about the multifaceted nature of the royal “we.” You explore how it can create a sense of presumed agreement, distance, and community. This unpacking enriches the understanding of Julia’s analysis.
      Considering Community and Hierarchy: You raise a thought-provoking point about the inherent tension between community and hierarchy when the “we” is invoked. This is a critical aspect to consider when analyzing the use of this pronoun.
      Connecting to Art and Audience: Your suggestion about art longing for community and the “we” potentially fostering a community of receivers is an interesting concept that adds another layer to the discussion.
      Individual Experiences and the “We”: You effectively connect Julia’s analysis to the different life experiences of Als and James, suggesting how this shapes their perspectives on the “we” in relation to broader social norms. You provide insightful details about James’ background for further consideration.
      Contrasting Uses of “We”: Your analysis of Als’ potentially more “fraught” and “less assertive” use of ‘we'” compared to James’ is well-supported with the reference to the “Prince” essay. This highlights the impact of Als’ specific experiences.
      Overall, your comment is insightful, engaging, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of the “we” pronoun. You effectively build upon Julia’s analysis and offer your own thought-provoking interpretations.

      khalidelarbi
      ————————————
      Online Marketing Analysis

      business for sale

  • jessica nguyen commented on January 27, 2022 Reply

    I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog. I’m hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own, personal site about Doordash Promo Code Reddit now

  • usa cleanwater commented on February 9, 2022 Reply

    Amazing article, thanks for sharing.

    شركة ترميم منازل بجدة

  • Dorian Hoeger commented on March 14, 2022 Reply

    This Was An Amazing ! I Haven’t Seen This Type of Blog Ever ! Thankyou For Sharing, Visit us at Capillary isotachophoresis.

  • betmate commented on April 14, 2022 Reply

    검증된 업체 먹튀검증 최고의 메이져

  • betmate commented on April 14, 2022 Reply

    Where there is a reason to use it, eat-and-run먹튀검증 verification safety noliter go

  • Jason Whistler commented on April 29, 2022 Reply

    I Just love your Blog super interesting and informative

  • Jason Whistler commented on April 29, 2022 Reply

    I think you should also write an article about aluminum doors suppliers

  • 메이저토토사이트 commented on May 10, 2022 Reply

    I think about it every time I read your article, but you have a really great insight. Among the people I know online and offline, your insight is at the highest level. That’s why I love your blog. I hope you continue to post good comments. 메이저토토사이트

  • esmail commented on May 14, 2022 Reply

    I wish the Game of Thrones series continued
    https://sazesanat.net

  • Betmate commented on May 15, 2022 Reply

    에볼플레이 먹튀검증 안전노리터

  • Betmate commented on May 15, 2022 Reply

    보증카 먹튀검증 검증된메이저

  • Betmate commented on May 15, 2022 Reply

    Guarantee car Eat verification verified major

  • MMEGA commented on May 21, 2022 Reply

    Privacy Policy Megaslot game Personal information that we will ask more from you for future use MEGASLOTGAME including information you provide. When filling out all the forms All data will be stored in the best possible manner. https://megaslotgame.com/

  • 먹튀검증 commented on June 2, 2022 Reply

    Thank you for the definite information. They were really helpful to me, who had just been put into related work. And thank you for recommending other useful blogs that I might be interested in. I’ll tell you where to help me, too. 먹튀검증

  • xohiv42615 commented on June 6, 2022 Reply

    Thanks For sharing this valuable information. if you like food this article is only for you guys. Wendy’s Breakfast Menu 2022 Wendy’s is an American multinational chain of fast-food restaurants. Wendy’s is the third-largest hamburger fast-food chain in the country.

  • 메이저토토사이트 commented on June 9, 2022 Reply

    Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. 메이저토토사이트

  • toto365pro commented on June 19, 2022 Reply

    Really a great post. The topic you discuss is so inspiring and motivating. Thank you for the share.. 스포츠토토

  • sportstototvcom commented on June 19, 2022 Reply

    토토사이트 Absolutely love all your blogs and enjoy reading the “story’ behind each. Can’t thank you enough! Keep up the amazing work…

  • betmantotopro commented on June 19, 2022 Reply

    토토사이트 I personally appreciate your work. I’m quite new in this field. And I want to say thanks for the great info.. Please add more post.

  • Write my assignment for me to help online commented on June 29, 2022 Reply

    students can get high-quality education right at home through Write my assignment for me to help online classes. Online learning is a great option for students who want to study more effectively. It is important to keep up with the changing trends in any sector. Change is necessary for every field, be it in the academic field or any other field. In today’s environment, everyone wants to live a digital existence. They provide online chat support to direct toll-free number support for email. You can get your answers from them anytime.

  • peter moss commented on June 30, 2022 Reply

    Use of a plural pronoun or related plural-inflected verb forms to refer to a single individual who is a monarch, pope, head of state, or other high-ranking official.Traditional classes are more inconvenient than online classes. Online programs, on the other hand, have significant drawbacks, leading some students to ask if they should hire someone to complete an online course for them. As a result, take my online course for mewas founded to provide a secure website where you may hire an online class expert to complete my online course for you.

  • kle do5 commented on July 5, 2022 Reply

    It is all set to rock the Drift Hunters with its impressive performance and ability to glue users for hours because it got thousands of active users within a few days.

  • เครดิตฟรี คืนยอดเสีย commented on July 7, 2022 Reply

    เครดิตฟรี คืนยอดเสีย โปรโมชั่น ดีๆที่เราพร้อมจะแจกจะ ช่วยทำให้การเดิมพันของคุณนั้น เล่นได้มากยิ่งขึ้นกว่าเดิม พีจี ยิ่งเล่นยิ่งรวยใน การเล่นเกมกับ บรรดาเว็บทั้งหลายนั้น

  • corecrack commented on July 17, 2022 Reply

    AOMEI Partition Assistant Keygen also includes three Wizards for everyday tasks: Extend Partition, Disk Copy, and Partition Copy. The AOMEI Partition Assistant Free Download Copy Wizard allowed us to choose between Quick Copy, which copies just the utilized space, and Sector-by-Sector, which replicates the complete partition structure to a new drive AOMEI Partition Assistant Crack.

  • Juan Force commented on July 21, 2022 Reply

    Thanks For the Information. Excellent Writing and Easy to Understand.
    eCommerce web development singapore

  • Online Assignment Help commented on July 27, 2022 Reply

    You will avail the best of assignments composed after meticulous research by seeking Online Assignment Help from our highly experienced and knowledgeable experts who are PhD holders in their respective subjects.

  • Assignment Help commented on August 1, 2022 Reply

    Assignment Help can increase the value of your academic thriving. The vast pool of amazingly talented and immensely qualified experts are PhD holders in their own domains. Our experts furnish only custom made and non-plagiarized compositions of premium grades; and are quite affordable too. Our endeavor lies in supporting you with unique and non-plagiarised assignment help melbourne compositions of premium quality that match the expectations of your faculty.

  • Geometry Assignment commented on August 3, 2022 Reply

    You get the privilege of availing the guidance and support of the best domain specialists from our huge pool of experts by placing an order with Geometry Assignment through a very simple and a quick process. Once you have made the payment, you just need to relax while we do an excellent assignment for you.

  • Pay Someone To Do My Homework commented on August 13, 2022 Reply

    In today’s world people are very much stucked in their personal works, same is happening with the students that’s why we have strated the services of the Pay Someone To Do My Homework.Connect with us to avail this premium offer.

  • Dane Ruther commented on August 14, 2022 Reply

    Our 300 words double spaced, specialists guide you and help you with your homework and different assignments. They additionally mentor you with respect to how to finish them to score better. Our services are always very reasonably priced.

  • casinositeone.JDS commented on August 19, 2022 Reply

    Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, as well as the content! 온라인카지노

  • casinositeone.JDS commented on August 19, 2022 Reply

    Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to understand so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. https://www.casinosite.one/

  • slotsite commented on August 24, 2022 Reply

    I have been looking for articles on these topics for a long time. slotsite I don’t know how grateful you are for posting on this topic. Thank you for the numerous articles on this site, I will subscribe to those links in my bookmarks and visit them often. Have a nice day

  • stevee hruby commented on September 1, 2022 Reply

    This use of “we” can, in my opinion, be manipulative. It attracts others who may or may not agree with the statement. Perhaps someone’s partner does not actually enjoy museums, or perhaps a member of society disagrees with a monarch’s actions, but they are still implicated. When I refer to the royal we from now on, I’m referring to this specific action—the use of “we” to draw others into and implicate them in another person’s experience or opinion. Credit https://lastminutecheapessay.com/

  • Singer sewing Machine Promo code commented on September 2, 2022 Reply

    This got series is the greatest of all time. A singer sewing machine makes every costume of any character. So if you want to make creative designs, then the singer sewing machine is the perfect option Grab up 70% with Singer sewing Machine Promo code and save maximum discount.
    .

  • majorsite commented on September 6, 2022 Reply

    I saw your article well. You seem to enjoy majorsite for some reason. We can help you enjoy more fun. Welcome anytime 🙂

  • Kaitlin D. Gregory commented on September 6, 2022 Reply

    You probably remember your last failure, well I’m here to give you a few tips to help you in e book writing get out of that mess and back up before it is too late.

  • totoright commented on September 7, 2022 Reply

    It’s a text that makes me think a lot. It was a good article to feel fun and touching as well as information. I’ll subscribe to your blog. Please continue to share good articles.메이저토토사이트

  • TOTOMAX commented on September 28, 2022 Reply

    It’s amazing to know someone who thinks the opposite of me. I felt like my accident was stuck in an indescribable framework because I only interacted with people with similar thoughts. After reading your article, I feel like the world in my head has expanded. 스포츠토토

  • TOTOBLOGS commented on September 28, 2022 Reply

    Are you an expert on this subject? I’m asking because a lot of technical terms appear to be used by ordinary people. All the information contained in your writing is correct. I read a good article. Thank you.메이저안전놀이터

  • totosite commented on October 4, 2022 Reply

    Your writing is perfect and complete. totosite However, I think it will be more wonderful if your post includes additional topics that I am thinking of. I have a lot of posts on my site similar to your topic. Would you like to visit once?

  • 은꼴 commented on October 5, 2022 Reply

    은꼴 This is a good article. It’s been a big help.

  • Andersen commented on October 10, 2022 Reply

    Hello! The Andersen devops is a great resource for devops services. Andersen devops is knowledgeable and experienced, and they provide a great service. If you’re looking for devops services, the Andersen devops is a great place to start.

  • Jean B. Sowa commented on October 14, 2022 Reply

    All of us have natural tendencies when it comes to communicating. Some people are good at making direct statements and asking questions with no sugarcoating. They may be direct to a point where ghost writing book some feel they talk too much. Other people tend to use very flowery language that sometimes sounds pretentious. A lot of writers in the media and advertising field fall into this category.

  • Travelnet commented on October 19, 2022 Reply

    Annual multi-trip travel insurance could cover you for an entire year. Asuransi Perjalanan Internasional

  • safetoto commented on October 22, 2022 Reply

    I’m writing on this topic these days, safetoto, but I have stopped writing because there is no reference material. Then I accidentally found your article. I can refer to a variety of materials, so I think the work I was preparing will work! Thank you for your efforts.

  • SPORTSTOTOTOP29 commented on October 29, 2022 Reply

    GOOD TO BECOME VISITING YOUR WEBLOG AGAIN, IT HAS BEEN MONTHS FOR ME. NICELY THIS ARTICLE THAT I’VE BEEN WAITED FOR SO LONG AAND IT HAS EXACT SAME TOPIC TOGETHER WITH YOUR WRITE-UP. THANKS!
    토토사이트

  • PACHINKOSITE29 commented on October 29, 2022 Reply

    GOOD DAY! I CAN’T IMAGINE FOCUSING LONG ENOUGH TO RESEARCH; MUCH LESS WRITE THIS KIND OF ARTICLE. YOU’VE OUTDONE YOURSELF WITH THIS MATERIAL. THIS IS GREAT CONTENT.
    슬롯머신

  • RACESITE29 commented on October 29, 2022 Reply

    HELLO! I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THE EFFORTS YOU HAVE MADE IN WRITING THIS ARTICLE.
    온라인경마

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *