some thoughts on the BtVS "Halloween"

[dragonyphoenix]

I was thinking about the BtVS Halloween episode where they become their costumes. It reads, particularly for Willow, as a rite of initiation. Before becoming her costume, Willow is hiding behind that ghost costume. Not that it’s a particularly childish ghost costume. It looks much more like a costume a kid, rather than an adult would wear. After, she’s comfortable in the hyper-sexualized costume that Buffy had put her in. WIllow has accepted her sexuality / adulthood.

Buffy defines herself by identifying something she’s not, which is a perfectly valid part of defining whom you are. She’s not the damsel in distress.

Xander doesn’t seem to have been transformed by the experience. He does gain soldier knowledge, but even after having been a soldier, he’s still seen as the Zeppo.

Comments

[dragonyphoenix.livejournal.com]

Well, yeah, Buffy's take does leave a lot to be desired. I'm hoping that part of what she got out of that night was not living up to the expectations of other people (or even your idea of what they would want you to be).