Enjoying this more and more. I love how for each new decision Basso makes, he is asked his reasons. There are always multiple reasons, but you're never sure how many are real, how many are given just to convince the person he's currently talking to, and how many are just made up on the spot. You're also never sure how far luck is really playing a part.
There are loads of great examples of this, but I think my favourite so far is his decision to marry Melsuntha. Reasons given:
- He has to marry someone because of his sister's blackmail. Noble families aren't interested, so Melsuntha.
- He knows her, likes her and respects her, so she's a sensible choice.
- He loves her. (I think he acutally does)
- She will tell him what she really thinks/he argues with her a lot but still likes to have her around. (I think this is just another way of saying he loves her, really, but it's a bit more meaningful, and is what convinces her)
- To annoy his sister. (this is probably a part of every decision Basso has ever made)
- To make the working classes, foreigners and everyday folks like him, as he's marrying one of them, marrying for love, etc. = votes
- To avoid creating turmoil by upheaving the power structure amongst the big families. (is this a real reason, or just a lucky bonus?)
I would also add another two possibles that aren't explicitly mentioned but are implied:
- To give a reason for extending the franchise, for all the people who are baffled/annoyed by it. In real Roman history, a famous figure who fought for working class rights basically lost all support from the people when he suggested extending citizenship. The Roman working classes may have liked a champion of the people, but they were even more protective of their special 'Romanness' and didn't want foreigners to have it too. It's possible Basso's decision to extend citizenship may have made him unpopular with a lot of people, and not just the conservative types. But if he gives the impression of having done it for love rather than political reasons, those people might be more willing to forgive him. (Ah, he's human after all, they might think)
- To be different and unpredictable, and so interesting, and so ensure votes (this is a reason Basso gave for earlier decisions, and may have played a part here too).
And then, just when you're wrapping your head around all this, we get thrown another possible reason. Bassano is in trouble and has been thrown out of the priesthood in disgrace. Basso's marriage has neatly taken focus away from this, saving his beloved nephew much embarrassment. Is this just another lucky co-incidence, or did Basso make his decision to marry Melsuntha only after hearing about his nephew? I could very easily believe that this is Basso's main reason in this case - he is devoted to Bassano in a way he doesn't seem to be to anyone or anything else, even himself.
I love this. So cleverly done. Makes Basso a fascinating character, and I love trying to work him out.
KJ Parker loves her red herrings and Olybrias turned out to be one really. The family dynamics are really messed up! Basso instead of fixing his relationship with first his father, second his sons, instead seeks out surrogates. Is Melsuntha actually a surrogate sister for Basso? Seems to be a very platonic marriage.
This is brilliant. I think you're spot on!
