Reading Notes: Goblin City

Reading Notes: Goblin City

Rakshasa as depicted in Yakshagana, an art form of coastal Karnataka

Focus on the Plot

This story is haunting, twisted, seductive. I couldn't help, but comparing this story to the popular siren story that tells of beautiful evil mermaids that persuade sailors to fall in love with them just to eat their souls. I love this story because it depicts women as strong, independent, and cunning. The sh-goblins in the story clearly are not fooled by love and are not susceptible to the powers of man. In fact, they have their own powers that trick men into falling in-love with them, something I admire. 

Hollywood Casting

I think this story would make a fantastic moving. A suspenseful thriller filled with twists and turns as the sailors wives all slowly begin to turn on them. If I were to cast this film, I would cast strong, sexy women to play the she-goblins, such as Blake Lively or Jennifer Lopez. Whomever is in the role will need to have the ability to play the soft, obedient wife that the men are after as well as play the manipulative, man-eating goblins that kills the husbands. For the sailors, I would cast good-looking men whom appear powerful, such as Ryan Reynolds and Chris Hemsworth. The men's strong exterior will juxtapose with their ignorance and vulnerability. 

Focus on the Setting

For the setting of this story, I imagine a dark, foggy, secluded island that screams creepy. This island is covered in mossy leaves, and the entire setting is filled with glorious shades of green and blue. Since most of the other guests on the island are created by the goblins, they are also beautiful, but empty. With glassy eyes and fake smiles, they men will be suspicious, but ultimately do nothing about them. I imagine the town is constantly filled with music that only enhances the love spell a of the men are under. This setting will only add to the unsettling ambiance of the entire story.

Metaphors

Throughout all of the readings, metaphors were highly present. In this story, I found a metaphor that I quite like. Goblin City seemed to be telling its audience that although men may appear to be strong, they are no match to the all-powerful female. They may be physically bigger, but are still very much susceptible to lust. Their inability to think of anything other than sex will ultimately be their down-fall as the women they have encountered are not like any women they have ever seen before. The men who have escaped will now most likely view women as equal players in the game of life rather than extensions of their husbands or objectified sex symbols.