One more thought on 'Nightmares'!

[elisi]

Re. Buffy's 'nightmare' history test, kathyh mentioned that she's thought about compiling all the references to history on BtVS, since it seems by far the most mentioned (school) subject.

This suddenly reminded me of the fact that 'history' is often used as a metaphor for Angel (he tutors her in history...), and the fact that she fails a *history* test took on a new meaning. She can't answer any of the questions - doesn't even know where the classroom is at first, but she mutters that at least she knows her own name. And then her pencil breaks.

It all made me think of the Angelus arch of S2 - she fails in killing him for a long time (cannot understand that he's not the same guy - he's like a subject she never studied...) and when she finally sends him to hell she leaves Sunnydale - even giving up her name.

Comments

[thedeadlyhook.livejournal.com]

Wow. I'm continually amazed at the sort of insights you've been pulling up out of these rewatches. Even more so with this one because the way you've linked it to Angel makes me think that it might actually have been intentional - that Buffy's S2 arc was about the difference between old and new, and dealing with the present as opposed to that past. History really fits into that.

[elisi]

Sorry, but your icon is cracking me up! ::giggles::

And thank you for your kind words - and for reading! I love continuity and my brain just kind of overdoses now and again.

that Buffy's S2 arc was about the difference between old and new, and dealing with the present as opposed to that past.
That's very good! Someone really should look into all the ways in which the subject referenced... Although I must confess that a large part of the 'History equals Angel' comes from Spring Summers' reviews - specifically 'The Replacement' where Buffy is absorbed in a history book and not paying attention to Riley...