Hatrack River Forum: Petra's importance (SPOILERS sorta)

This is topic Petra's importance (SPOILERS sorta) in forum Discussions About Orson Scott Card at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Master Kakashi (Member # 6165) on :

Last night I just finished reading Shadow of the Hegemon and when I came to part where Achilles held a gun to Petra's head I wondered, What would have happened if he actually killed her, in front of Bean? I thought it would have been a pleasure and pain, for she was quite an important character and then to suddenly die. I don't know about you, but I would have loved her even more. Where would the story have gone from there? [Confused]

[ February 03, 2004, 11:38 AM: Message edited by: Master Kakashi ]

Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :

Welcome to Hatrack, Kakashi.

As a courtesy to other members of the board, including newer ones, who may not have read the book you're talking about, it's considered appropriate to include a warning, either at the beginning of your post or perhaps in the thread title, that you will be including "spoilers." Thus anyone who hasn't read the book can avoid learning major plot points before he or she reads the book.

Regarding your question, I'll think about it a little bit and respond later. It certainly would change the next book a lot, though.

--Pop

Posted by Master Kakashi (Member # 6165) on :

Thanks Pops!

Sorry for not warning, hope I didn't ruin it for you or anyone else. As a newbie, I vow to mark my messages as spoilers when need applies! So, if you don't already know, my first message was a SPOILER!!!! Sorry for the inconvience and good day.

You know, while I'm at it, I may as well ask a stupid question. What does 'kuso' mean? I'm not so caught up on my vocabulary.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

MK - you can edit your original post to include SPOILER prominently at the top.

What a horrible thought that Achilles would actually pull the trigger -

but pulling the trigger would have released any hold over Bean's actions that was in place, and I don't think Achille would have done that . . .

Welcome!

Posted by Master Kakashi (Member # 6165) on :

Thanks for the info Shan,
but, umm, how do I do that? What button is it?

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

The Edit button is the little paper-and-pencil icon. Make sure you edit your opening post to edit the thread title. [Smile]

Posted by Bean Counter (Member # 6001) on :

It certainly would have changed things in the next book. It is certain that Achilles would have been killed or taken. At that point his impact on world events was diminished, but for Bean personally it would have made his life unredeamable tragedy.

BC

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

I don't think Bean was in love with Petra at this point. The middle of Shadow of the Hegemon he hasn't seen her since they left Eros. Been a while since I read it, so I'm not sure.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Not in romantic love, no. But he has recognized Petra as a very important part of his life, not only as a person who recognized Bean as a human being, but as a comrade that asked for help - which Bean was determined to give.

Posted by Master Kakashi (Member # 6165) on :

Okay, right now I just have to say, DON'T POST ANYTHING PAST THE SHADOW OF THE HEGEMON BOOK! I really want to read Shadow Puppets, but haven't had time lately. So, just warning ya.

So, I really don't know what else to say, but that I have no clue what'll happen. I want Bean to fall in love with Petra and live together at least to an age where they can have a child together or something. But I know that that will never happen. [Cry]

But if it did it really wouldn't be as great a story. Not every thing can have happy ending.

Posted by Grandma Edie (Member # 5771) on :

To return to the original question:
Bean never quite forgave himself for not preventing the deaths of Poke and Carlotta.
If Petra had been added to that list--who was certainly a good comrade and friend by then--it would likely have entailed Bean's total collapse.

Certainly (in the short run) Achilles would have been killed, and much world suffering saved. But Achilles' death would not end all dangers to world peace and justice. And whatever the next menace was, there would be no Bean to help to fight it. He would be rendered useless.

But, Carlotta's words about "vengenence makes people stupid, even people as bright as you" stick in his mind at the crucial moment, and he decides that nothing in the universe is more important than saving Petra.

Was he 'right'? Who can say, for certain. One more case of "The Terrible Choice."

Grandma Edie, also known as Edith S. Tyson, author of Orson Scott Card: Writer of the Terrible Choice.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

Hey! I ordered that! What's the turn around time on shipping and delivery?

(Rubs hands eagerly in anticipation)