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?
2,920 Comments
Your unique perspective adds depth and richness to the discourse surrounding [topic of the article]. keno minh chính
HappyToon 해피툰 : the fastest place to check free webtoon addresses. 해피툰
HappyToon 해피툰 주소안내 : the fastest place to check free webtoon addresses. 해피툰 주소안내
Hi, I find reading this article a joy. It is extremely helpful and interesting and very much looking forward to reading more of your work.. slot
You make so many great points here that I read your article a couple of times. Your views are in accordance with my own for the most part. This is great content for your readers. slot gacor hari ini
Clubhouse offers a user-friendly mobile app available on both iOS and Android devicesoCq
Presently the grade of our very own bordering is now a vital condition. The complete community human population shall be rising hence swiftly the planet is now also congested. feeling lost
This is so good as warzyd. You should to check it out. He is amazing and can show what things like nobody else. Give him a chance a check. But except i really like your blog. Good job! living your life
Välkommen till din guide för Sveriges bästa TopSvenska ;)fUn
im surpirsed this post hasnt got more attention, get some backlinks friend and move it to the top of Google. alt resmi olbcuan
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it! link daftar slot deposit 10k olbcuan
The Schengen area allows more than 400 million people to travel freely between member countries without going through border controls. Asuransi perjalanan axa
Keep up the fantastic work, I read few articles on this web site and I conceive that your web site is real interesting and has got bands of excellent info. deluna4d
I in addition to my friends have already been analyzing the great tips and hints found on your website and immediately developed a terrible feeling I never expressed respect to the blog owner for those strategies. Most of the people became as a result happy to read them and already have surely been having fun with those things. Many thanks for actually being simply kind and also for deciding upon these kinds of useful topics millions of individuals are really wanting to be aware of. Our own sincere regret for not saying thanks to you sooner. deluna4d
Outstanding read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little investigation on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I discovered it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! deluna4d
im surpirsed this post hasnt got more attention, get some backlinks friend and move it to the top of Google. 8171
This is such a great post, and was thinking much the same myself. Another great update. meongtoto
Upptäck våra detaljerade recensioner av de bästaaOb
of risky sites is so helpful. 2024년 최신 안전놀이터 추천
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. If possible, such as gain knowledge, would you mind updating your blog with additional information? It is very useful for me. agenolx daftar
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing agenolx daftar
Interesting and amazing how your post is! It Is Useful and helpful for me That I like it very much, and I am looking forward to Hearing from your next.. agenolx daftar
Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post. agenolx slot
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike other blogs I have read which are really not that good.Thanks alot! agenolx link alternatif
You completed a number of nice points there. I did a search on the issue and found nearly all people will have the same opinion with your blog. meongtoto
Made to measure curtains… […]check out the sites listed below, worth a read for interiors and rugs enthusiasts[…]… meongtoto
Safeyogi is a must for anyone looking to bet smartly! 2024년 최신 안전놀이터 추천
This is a excellent blog, would you be involved in doing an interview about just how you designed it? If so e-mail me! david hoffmeister a course in miracles
The quality of Call Girl Delhi you know properly when you come closer to us, means that when you take the benefit of service you simply know the reason why we are best in the market. So look at Delhi escort agency service and give new direction to your life within your budget.
Excellent post. I was always checking this blog, and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part, I care for such information a lot. I was exploring this particular info for a long time. Thanks to this blog my exploration has ended. anru33
Excellent post. I was always checking this blog, and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part, I care for such information a lot. I was exploring this particular info for a long time. Thanks to this blog my exploration has ended. anru33
Excellent post. I was always checking this blog, and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part, I care for such information a lot. I was exploring this particular info for a long time. Thanks to this blog my exploration has ended. anru33
Good and relevant post. I’m been looking for topics as interesting as this. toto macau
The article posted was very informative and useful. You people are doing a great job. Keep going. acheter de la weed
This is a must-read article https://789bet.domains/
This is the good guidelines specially for you to those people new at all to blogosphere, simple along with exact information… Cheers pertaining to expressing this.
Absolutely essential go through content.https://789bet.domains/
Thanks for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info. bola88
Most of the time I don’t make comments on websites, but I’d like to say that this article really forced me to do so. Really nice post! bola88
I like this blog so much, saved to my bookmarks . IOT自動販売機 節税
Really appreciate this post! animeflix alternatives has been my go-to for anime streaming. The platform’s simple layout and endless selection keep me coming back for more!
im surpirsed this post hasnt got more attention, get some backlinks friend and move it to the top of Google. agencia de turismo em ilheus
this post are well written and help me a lot! the information is so clear and delivered well. You must add a donate button!
regard : https://calorique.info/
Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks nafcny.com
This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! slot online
Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. ratu slot
I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. ratu slot
Interesting and amazing how your post is! It Is Useful and helpful for me That I like it very much, and I am looking forward to Hearing from your next.. judi slot
I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to undertand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he ejoyed it as well! slot terpercaya
Now we know who the ssebnile one is here. Great post! situs togel
All the contents you mentioned in post is too good and can be very useful. I will keep it in mind, thanks for sharing the information keep updating, looking forward for more posts.Thanks apibet login