Water's presence in Cinderella Boy
I know I said I'd stop posting Wave-related stuff for a bit (and I do intend to keep that promise, with this post being the only exception), but I wanted to point out a couple of stuff about the comic. Specifically how the characters' journey and dynamics are often represented with the presence of water.
This is a very lousy post and it's mostly about noticing a pattern, not really making a theory. But I thought to throw it out there anyway.
I've briefly mentioned before how water is present in every arc of major importance in Cinderella Boy. But what I hadn't realized is how often it's being brought up.
1. In S1EP4, Nox throws a bucket of water on Chase's head, which stands for their petty rivalry. The water is not much, but it's enough to cause a verbal reaction and annoyance between Nox and Chase.
2. In Toffee Break, Frankie throws water at Chase and Deacon. Then Deacon mentions that Chase hates boats bc he's scared of water. The arc ends with Nox being thrown into the water and dragging his body out of the water.
Up until now, the water stands for lack of comfort. It's not being seen as something pleasant or calm, but rather as something that could be the reason for trouble.
3. In Beach Boys, Chase and Nox are forced to spend three days together in a tiny island, surrounded by water, while Deacon is stuck on a boat far away. Trapped as they are in the island and with water keeping Deacon away, Chase and Nox have to tolerate each other, go through the hardships of betrayal and eventually make a deal to start being better towards each other. Proximity caused by the water becomes the reason their relationship is evolving. Nox also says that he hates getting wet, he's scared of their relationship changing.
4. In ROBAM Chase points out how stupid it is that Dracifer has a moat with no water. Water here doesn't affect the plot, but Chase wants it around. He wants his relationship with Nox to evolve farther.
5. In Still Waters, the book they've traveled into gets drenched, therefore everyone is facing the risk of death. Again, the proximity caused by the destruction of water brings Chase and Nox closer. Nox gets him away from the water in Cinderella's cottage, both of them have to escape the water, Deacon and Pru start melting by the water, Nox and Chase choose to trust Chase's gut and each other and survive. Water is the danger here, but it fuels their trust and their romance truly begins here.
1) The second season starts with Chase right after taking a shower. He's dripping wet and the bathroom mirror is fogged. Waters' present isn't as noticeable here, but still evident. In this, the water carries Chase's happiness and positivity for the future, regarding his relationship with Buddy.
2) Nox's backstory being revealed in a water-centered story (Little Shadows), which stands for Nox's vulnerability. But he manages to find courage to swim through the water and reach the surface, where Chase is waiting and he just yearns for him. He chooses to stop living into the depths of discomfort and prepares to reveal the truth.
However, that's not the only thing that is water-related in the story. The new guy gets nicknamed "Wave," which is literally what DISTURBS THE WATER. Wave is the thing that makes water usually not safe to swim in, in fear of harming one's self. WAVE is the danger here. WAVE is the one who creates obstacles. Maybe it's too big of a claim, considering that Wave is just a henchman as far as we know, but yk.
The water itself isn't a danger, waves is what makes it dangerous. Waves and, well, dangerous fish like sharks
Then we have some other vague stuff about water, such as Wave insisting on finding a bathroom in Plunderland, Prunella falling into the tank of water, which brings her closer to Wave (the danger) in Stardust etc.
And then we come to my favourite part of all time:
"THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA"
Someone on here (unfortunately I can't recall the name but just know you opened my eyes) mentioned that this is the title of a book written by Hemingway. Now personally I haven't read it, but my pal John conveniently enough started posting Hemingway quotes on his insta notes pretty recently. So naturally I figured to reach out and ask if he had read the book and what he thinks the message is.
Now literature is subjective and full of different interpretations, so no promises, but according to my friend, the book is about finding something that you love and desire and letting it kill you. He also threw in that it explores the idea of the mortality of one's body but simultaneous eternity of their spirit. Which is something that feels very old man-y related.
So I'm wondering, is the Old Man's ending near? If so, what could the third season (if we get it) be about? Also, could water be related to the Old Man living til now? I've encountered water as something connected to the healing process and life in media many times, Angels Friends, IILWTV and Superfish being very few examples. Also there's a saying about how life exists wherever water exists, so I can't help but wonder.
gummygunk
blakekathryn
