The Dresden Files > DF Spoilers

RNT Episode 4: Is Monica Sells Morally Culpable for what happens in Storm Front?

(1/5) > >>

Bridger:
Brian and I just released our fourth episode of Recorded Neutral Territory, a chapter-by-chapter re-read podcast.  (You can subscribe to the podcast here or watch on our youtube channel).

This week we worked through chapters 6 and 7 of Storm Front where we (finally) got to see some real Magic, and meet Toot Toot for the first time! I had to re-evaluate my view of the little pixie after examining the scene more critically.

After that Morgan shows up, which normally ruins the party but we had some fun re-evaluating him as well, with context from Turn Coat and the Journal micro-fiction.

After that we discussed whether Monica Sells is at all morally culpable for her part in Storm Front.  She participated in the creation of three-eye, and sent Dresden after Victor without giving him the whole story.  Do we fault her for those things?

Finally, we announced that our next episode would, (in addition to examining chapters 8 and 9), be asking the question: Is there a better system than the Doom of Damocles? This episode will be released in two weeks (April 16th).

Hope you all are enjoying the show. Please let us know (here, or via email: mac@rnt.fm) if you have any good Questions for Bob in the future, or any other constructive feedback regarding the show.

Mira:

  I don't remember where it said that Monica Sells had anything to do with the creation of Three Eye. Could you give chapter and quote?  I am not saying you are wrong, I just don't remember it.

peterwiggin94:
Monica participates in the orgy rituals that Victor used to create them. I think she's somewhat culpable but minimally so. Especially compared to Victor and the married couple (I forget their name). There's also a pretty good argument suggesting that Victor manipulated or abused her into doing it so she isn't.

Mira:

--- Quote from: peterwiggin94 on April 04, 2025, 12:58:07 PM ---Monica participates in the orgy rituals that Victor used to create them. I think she's somewhat culpable but minimally so. Especially compared to Victor and the married couple (I forget their name). There's also a pretty good argument suggesting that Victor manipulated or abused her into doing it so she isn't.

--- End quote ---

 I just went back and reread Chapter 21 of Storm Front, inadvertently Harry soul gazes Monica and realizes all she really cares about is protecting her children.  Monica was an abused woman and the family was desperate for money, so she went along with Victor, the rituals, then he forced her to take the Three Eye and she grew more afraid..Then Victor pulled in the Beckitts and their desire to get revenge against Marcone.. Then Monica began to fear for her children, then she went to Harry.  No, Monica Sells isn't culpable in any of this, she was a victim.

Bridger:

--- Quote from: Mira on April 04, 2025, 10:05:40 PM --- I just went back and reread Chapter 21 of Storm Front, inadvertently Harry soul gazes Monica and realizes all she really cares about is protecting her children.  Monica was an abused woman and the family was desperate for money, so she went along with Victor, the rituals, then he forced her to take the Three Eye and she grew more afraid..Then Victor pulled in the Beckitts and their desire to get revenge against Marcone.. Then Monica began to fear for her children, then she went to Harry.  No, Monica Sells isn't culpable in any of this, she was a victim.

--- End quote ---
During the show we made clear the distinction.  She is NOT morally culpable for being abused, or for any of the actions of Victor against her or her Children.  However, she did make morally questionable choices with regards to Dresden.  She put him in danger without giving him the full picture of what was happening.  He could have easily died because she refused to give him that information.

That's what we discussed on the show.  I think there's room to find her at least partly at fault for not allowing Harry to make his own informed choices.  However, I think she probably can't be held at fault for knowing about the 3-eye and failing to report it.  Fear for her life and the life of her kids against literally unknown power (she didn't know how deep or shallow Victor's power was) is a strong mitigating factor.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page