Why is Annabel is so obsessed with keeping the bitter enemies narrative?
Part of this obsession seems to be based on how she feels connected to Lenore. Their entanglement leading up their faux marriage was entirely based on playing the role of a noble lady and lord. Even if that was far from the truth.
I think it’s important to note that in life this ruse was originally Lenore’s idea. A way they could be themselves in private at the cost to appeasing the expected societal norms in public. It is apparent that at some point during their scheme, Annabel got cold feet and tried to drop the act. Hence the church scene at their wedding:
While we don’t know the who’s and what’s that led up to their deaths, it is clear Annabel thinks her dropping the act is what caused them to fail. To lose the game.
It’s this guilt that is making her so desperate now. Annabel thinks she already failed Lenore in life. There is no way she is failing her in death. Even to her own and maybe even Lenore’s own detriment. Everything in the story so far is Annabel’s desperate attempts to achieve one goal: make up for her “betrayal”.
Which is why she has been willing to go to such extreme measures to maintain the act as the posh, ice queen. However, she’s very prone to emotional outbursts and acting on impulse. So when Morella (bless her heart) starts to pokes holes in her ruse, Annabel freaks out.
I know there has been some discussion of Annabel not really having a character outside of Lenore. To me though, rather than a flaw in the writing, I see that as an insight to the toxic nature of their relationship.
I love Whiteraven as a pair, but Annabel undeniably puts Lenore atop this unreachable pedestal. It creates a very unbalanced nature to their relationship. Annabel seems to attach her self worth and identity to Lenore.
Annabel has felt like she can be herself with only Lenore. Why would she need anyone else? So that is the fundamental reason she doesn’t understand Lenore’s desire for a real friendship/relationship with the Misfits.
Only Lenore is good enough for Annabel, so why isn’t only Annabel good enough for Lenore? It’s part of the reason she’s so ticked off Lenore doesn’t remember her special nickname for Annabel.
So from a storytelling perspective, at this point, I see why Annabel’s character is so attached to Lenore.
She has not gone through the growth or development yet to value herself as an independent person. Will she ever? This is a gothic romance, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
ellievsbear
tangentwithtanner
andulkaphoto
baratheonpilled
turnnoffyourmind
