So, unlike most of the class, I was not new to the idea of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In fact, I was in fifth grade when the show debuted. Watching the episode in class gave me a great wave of nostalgia. The show played an integral role in creative decisions I have made since, both in writing and teaching.
However, you aren't here to read about me; you're here to read my thoughts on the show. First of all, I hadn't originally planned to teach this episode. The one I had intended was actually "Hush," in which everyone in Sunnydale has their voice stolen and demons harvest their hearts in a desperate attempt to maintain their immortality. It is one of the eerier episodes of the series. But, things didn't work out as I had planned, and you guys were stuck with "Halloween,"
Role reversals:
When Buffy tells Willow that Halloween is all about "Come as you aren't." She distinctly foreshadows the events that will take place during their Halloween experience. Every character is transformed into the exact opposite of their personality. Their desperate desires to change who they are presents them with an interesting "be careful what you wish for" kind of moment. Even the reluctant Willow is forced to change her role, despiter her greatest efforts to hide who she is.
Buffy was rather groundbreaking in its portrayal of a female heroine who is essentially stronger than any of her allies. Even her vampiric boyfriend is weaker than she is. This episode showed just how easily we can lose ourselves when we try to step up and be something we aren't to impress those around us. Buffy desperately wants to impress Angel by shedding her "bad girl" persona and picking up that of a prim, pretty princess. In doing so, she loses her powers and, more importantly, her identity. It's an interesting commentary on the way teenagers tend to behave in high school.
The appearance of the Greek deity, Janus, as the statue Ethan performs his spell on is significant. For those of you who don't know, Janus is representative of the duality and new beginnings. He has two faces. One of the front his head, and one on the back. How might this be symbollic to the spell as a whole?
That's all for now!
Ryan
