Reader’s Question:
In “The Beast Player,” what exactly was the cause of my mother’s execution related to the serpent’s mucus? Who was responsible for it? I missed some details because I skimmed through the story.
Understanding the Tragedy of “The Beast Player”
Have you ever read a story that left you with
more questions than answers? That’s how I felt after diving into “The Beast Player.” The complexity of its characters and the intertwining of their fates can be quite overwhelming, especially when it comes to the tragic execution of So-yong’s mother. As I remember it, the root of the tragedy lies in the peculiar circumstances surrounding the serpent’s mucus and the use of a drug called 特滋水 (Tokuzui). So-yong, who had a deep understanding of the serpent’s biology, was aware that the female serpents were experiencing a breeding season. This time was critical, as the mucus produced during this period was thinner, making it more difficult for them to absorb the drug effectively.
A Fatal Miscalculation
The real kicker here is that the drug, meant to enhance the serpents, had unintended consequences. It made them more susceptible to diseases, caused tumors in their reproductive systems, and led to the production of non-viable eggs. When the females were given this drug during their breeding cycle, it tragically resulted in their internal organs failing due to the clogged reproductive tracts. It’s heartbreaking to think that what was intended as a means to improve their breeding capabilities ended up being the cause of their demise. So, who was responsible for this catastrophic outcome? It’s a tangled web of ignorance and adherence to tradition. So-yong’s mother executed the orders based on her tribe’s laws, believing she was following protocol. Yet, she was caught in a system that not only failed to recognize the signs of impending disaster but also strictly prohibited any investigation into the cause of the serpent deaths. Such a disconnect between knowledge and action is something that really resonates with me, especially in today’s world where we often face similar dilemmas in various fields of life.
Reflections on Responsibility
What struck me most was how So-yong, despite her knowledge, felt compelled to follow the rules instead of challenging them. It’s a poignant reminder of the moral dilemmas we often face in our own lives. Have you ever been in a situation where you had to choose between doing what you knew was right versus what was expected of you? It can feel like walking a tightrope, and often, the stakes are incredibly high. I also found myself chuckling a bit while remembering my own early days at the judicial scrivener’s office. There was this one time I arrived way too early for a meeting, only to find my colleagues indulging in snacks, completely unbothered by the impending deadlines. We ended up laughing more than we worked that day, and it reminded me of the importance of camaraderie even in serious environments. In closing, the tragedy of So-yong’s mother serves as a profound lesson in the importance of questioning the norms and understanding the implications of our actions. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this or any similar experiences you’ve had. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to weigh the consequences of following rules versus doing what felt morally right? Let’s chat about it in the comments!
