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summer_of_giles2009-06-16 05:38 am
laurtew.livejournal.com) wrote in summer_of_giles2009-06-16 05:38 am
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What's In A Name
Okay, I'm not really sure what to call this. (Sidenote to the mods: I have no idea how to tag this.) My daughter and her friends do this with each others' names. Like say they choose Elizabeth, they will find adjectives that start with all the letters of her name, like Energetic and Lovable. I took it a few steps further, explaining why I chose these words and adding pictures.
Anyway, I hope you like it.
What makes a man? What qualities add up to define who a person really is? This is actually something my daughter's friends did with each others' names, so I figured why not try it on Rupert.
Enjoy!
Resilient -
If ever someone bounces back, it's our guy. From head injuries to splinted fingers to a broken heart, he always gets back on his feet, dusts himself off, and gets right into the fight. After so many times of being knocked on his butt by his Slayer or some demon, you think he would give up. But his spirit is strong and he always keeps going.
Unwavering -
One could call it single minded or devoted to an idea, but Rupert has a belief system and he stands by it, no matter how hard it gets. Sometimes he has to sacrifice something he wants or loses someone he loves, but he never walks away from what he believes.
Passionate -
This is a man who is passionate over many things. From women to books, from music to prophecies, he throws himself into the matter at hand one hundred percent. Who else could do such a moving dissertation on why books put computers to shame? And who else could make Joyce blush three years after he shagged her on a police car. Twice. He is a man who lives completely and loves intensely and I would love to be the object of his affection.
Eager -
Do you remember the man who was so excited to meet his new Slayer? That huge grin, that look of awe, the way he stalked her when she said no? And he was so excited when he realised that it wasn't just vampires. Oh no, it could be anything. Maybe next time it would be demons or witches or Xander-eating bugs. And he couldn't understand why no one else shared his enthusiasm. "Well, pardon me for finding the glass half full." It was so completely cute to see him get into the hunt.
Radical -
Watchers are supposed to...well watch. They are supposed to stay out of danger. They don't fight and they don't use magic. But our guy was just born to be a rebel. How many times has he saved his Slayer with a well timed spell or a bargain with a demon? And then there was a tattoo. You know, the demon summoning one? He might not have flaunted his past, but it helped him to think outside the box, which saved all of them a time or two. Willow once accused him of being afraid to embrace his power, but I think he knew exactly how far he could go and still be safe. After all, one doesn't spend one's youth channeling demons and not learn *something* from it.
Teacher -
Watcher, father-figure, mentor. Rupert was many things to these children. They all came from homes with parents who were absent (or who should have been absent) and they gravitated to his strong personality. He treated them with respect and love and gave them the attention they needed. In the end, he raised smart, compassionate, responsible children who I'm sure made him very proud. And really, doesn't every teacher want to see the student surpass the master?
Gallant -
Maybe it was the way he was raised or maybe it's because he's British, but this man had the gentleman thing down. He would protect his Slayer and her friends, putting himself between them and the danger. He even went so far as to tell off his bosses and lose his job in an effort to keep Buffy safe. You know, it still gets me every time I hear him say, "Buffy's not going to face the Master. I am." He knew he stood no chance of winning that matchup, but he was willing to do it to protect her. And isn't that the true meaning of a gentleman?
Indomitable -
Rupert is a man who has faced many things and he never gives up. Even when the Council fired him, he would not quit. It must have been the hardest for him when the dark force he had to face was Willow, but even then, he would not give in. He kept talking to her, kept trying to get her to see reason, even as she ripped the magic right out of him. And then there was Angel. Who doesn't love that classic line, "You must perform the ritual...in a tutu. Pillock."?
Loved -
Through all the ups and downs, from sacred calling to duty, one thing seems to be at the heart of everything this man does. He will lay down his life, walk away from all he holds dear, do anything within his power and bargain for what isn't, all to protect the people he loves. And in return, they love him. It may be a bumpy road sometimes, but in the end, they come through for each other, they need each other, they love each other.
Exceptional -
There is a certain code for Watchers and another one for teachers. Yet consistently, Rupert always went above and beyond them both. He helped them to learn, he supported them through their emotional upheavals, and he put his own safety on the line to protect them. I'm pretty sure not even their own parents would have done as much for them and it was certainly way above the call of a Watcher.
Sardonic -
In the first few seasons we get the idea that Rupert has a very dry sense of humour. You really have to be looking or the jokes will just sneak past you. But after he lost his position as Watcher, he loosened up quite a bit and we got to see the snarky side of his personality. While I love it, I do feel a bit sorry for Wesley, who seemed to be the target of a lot of the jabs. "Well, thank God you're here. I was planning to panic." And of course, one of my all time favourite Rupert lines, "If it's for me to scrub those hard-to-reach areas, I'd like to request you kill me now." I'm impressed he could fit so much sarcasm into so few words.
Watchful -
Of course it is in his job description to watch. I mean, *Watcher* and all. But it actually seemed to be an ingrained part of his personality to keep an eye on things. That was why, unlike the Watchers before him, he didn't just send his Slayer into the fray, he went with her. Whether fighting by her side or just grading her from behind a gravestone, he was deeply a part of the battle. He watched over the kids, doing what he could to keep them safe and soothe their bruised feelings. It never fails to impress me when I rewatch Innocence and hear him stand firmly behind Buffy. "Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you that you acted rashly? You did. A-and I can. But... if it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm, I'm not your man. All you will get from me is, is my support. And my respect."
Artistic -
As someone with no artistic ability, I am impressed by Rupert's talent. He can draw an Initiative soldier just from Buffy's description and he can make even a boring tutorial on the Gentlemen entertaining with his illustrations. Add to that his command of the language and his amazing singing voice and he is artistic in so many ways. Even Anya was speechless when she saw him sing. And that's saying a lot.
Thorough -
Rupert isn't the sort of man to do things halfway. If he's going to research a prophecy, he's going to have pages of notes and diagrams with footnotes. He can always find a book on a subject and more impressively, he can usually read it, no matter what language it's in. There is no such thing as good enough, hence we get him saying, "Well, you weren't here from midnight until six researching it."
Caring -
For most Watchers, their Slayer is a duty. There is no emotional bond, it's all just business. Rupert seems to have an all or nothing personality and he cannot separate his emotions from the equation. He is there when they need him to listen, he helps them through the rough patches. Fighting demons may be a job, but loving these children is not.
Heroic -
When one thinks of a hero, one thinks of someone who puts themselves on the line for the greater good. From the very beginning when Rupert saved Buffy from Amy's mother by offering himself to the dark powers we saw a man who put others before his safety. And as he lay in the ruins of the Magic Box after tricking Willow into taking his good magic, we realised that he would sacrifice himself in a heartbeat to save the world and protect the kids.
Eloquent -
I listened to many professors lecture and by and large, they have one thing in common; they are mindnumbingly boring. While the kids seemed to think that Rupert wasn't very entertaining, I was very impressed with his command of the language. His speech about the earth being older than we know actually held my interest. And I know that he was trying to avoid words like "indecorous", but if he asked me out that way, I would go in a heartbeat. Maybe it's the accent, but I honestly think it's the sensitive, intelligent man who can stop any conversation with the words, "Dear Lord!"
Righteous -
I know this word will give most of you pause, but there was a reason that I went with it. Through all seven seasons, we see a man who had so many chances to walk away and live a normal life. With his education, he could have gotten a better job, purchased a house, gotten a wife, some kids, and a dog. He was a respected expert in the field of obscure relics. He had worked for the British Museum. He could have done so much more that would have given him personal glory, yet he worked in a small town high school library and walked graveyards every night with no recognition at all. If that doesn't make him a righteous man, then what does.
Anyway, I hope you like it.
What makes a man? What qualities add up to define who a person really is? This is actually something my daughter's friends did with each others' names, so I figured why not try it on Rupert.
Enjoy!
Resilient -
If ever someone bounces back, it's our guy. From head injuries to splinted fingers to a broken heart, he always gets back on his feet, dusts himself off, and gets right into the fight. After so many times of being knocked on his butt by his Slayer or some demon, you think he would give up. But his spirit is strong and he always keeps going.
Unwavering -
One could call it single minded or devoted to an idea, but Rupert has a belief system and he stands by it, no matter how hard it gets. Sometimes he has to sacrifice something he wants or loses someone he loves, but he never walks away from what he believes.
Passionate -
This is a man who is passionate over many things. From women to books, from music to prophecies, he throws himself into the matter at hand one hundred percent. Who else could do such a moving dissertation on why books put computers to shame? And who else could make Joyce blush three years after he shagged her on a police car. Twice. He is a man who lives completely and loves intensely and I would love to be the object of his affection.
Eager -
Do you remember the man who was so excited to meet his new Slayer? That huge grin, that look of awe, the way he stalked her when she said no? And he was so excited when he realised that it wasn't just vampires. Oh no, it could be anything. Maybe next time it would be demons or witches or Xander-eating bugs. And he couldn't understand why no one else shared his enthusiasm. "Well, pardon me for finding the glass half full." It was so completely cute to see him get into the hunt.
Radical -
Watchers are supposed to...well watch. They are supposed to stay out of danger. They don't fight and they don't use magic. But our guy was just born to be a rebel. How many times has he saved his Slayer with a well timed spell or a bargain with a demon? And then there was a tattoo. You know, the demon summoning one? He might not have flaunted his past, but it helped him to think outside the box, which saved all of them a time or two. Willow once accused him of being afraid to embrace his power, but I think he knew exactly how far he could go and still be safe. After all, one doesn't spend one's youth channeling demons and not learn *something* from it.
Teacher -
Watcher, father-figure, mentor. Rupert was many things to these children. They all came from homes with parents who were absent (or who should have been absent) and they gravitated to his strong personality. He treated them with respect and love and gave them the attention they needed. In the end, he raised smart, compassionate, responsible children who I'm sure made him very proud. And really, doesn't every teacher want to see the student surpass the master?
Gallant -
Maybe it was the way he was raised or maybe it's because he's British, but this man had the gentleman thing down. He would protect his Slayer and her friends, putting himself between them and the danger. He even went so far as to tell off his bosses and lose his job in an effort to keep Buffy safe. You know, it still gets me every time I hear him say, "Buffy's not going to face the Master. I am." He knew he stood no chance of winning that matchup, but he was willing to do it to protect her. And isn't that the true meaning of a gentleman?
Indomitable -
Rupert is a man who has faced many things and he never gives up. Even when the Council fired him, he would not quit. It must have been the hardest for him when the dark force he had to face was Willow, but even then, he would not give in. He kept talking to her, kept trying to get her to see reason, even as she ripped the magic right out of him. And then there was Angel. Who doesn't love that classic line, "You must perform the ritual...in a tutu. Pillock."?
Loved -
Through all the ups and downs, from sacred calling to duty, one thing seems to be at the heart of everything this man does. He will lay down his life, walk away from all he holds dear, do anything within his power and bargain for what isn't, all to protect the people he loves. And in return, they love him. It may be a bumpy road sometimes, but in the end, they come through for each other, they need each other, they love each other.
Exceptional -
There is a certain code for Watchers and another one for teachers. Yet consistently, Rupert always went above and beyond them both. He helped them to learn, he supported them through their emotional upheavals, and he put his own safety on the line to protect them. I'm pretty sure not even their own parents would have done as much for them and it was certainly way above the call of a Watcher.
Sardonic -
In the first few seasons we get the idea that Rupert has a very dry sense of humour. You really have to be looking or the jokes will just sneak past you. But after he lost his position as Watcher, he loosened up quite a bit and we got to see the snarky side of his personality. While I love it, I do feel a bit sorry for Wesley, who seemed to be the target of a lot of the jabs. "Well, thank God you're here. I was planning to panic." And of course, one of my all time favourite Rupert lines, "If it's for me to scrub those hard-to-reach areas, I'd like to request you kill me now." I'm impressed he could fit so much sarcasm into so few words.
Watchful -
Of course it is in his job description to watch. I mean, *Watcher* and all. But it actually seemed to be an ingrained part of his personality to keep an eye on things. That was why, unlike the Watchers before him, he didn't just send his Slayer into the fray, he went with her. Whether fighting by her side or just grading her from behind a gravestone, he was deeply a part of the battle. He watched over the kids, doing what he could to keep them safe and soothe their bruised feelings. It never fails to impress me when I rewatch Innocence and hear him stand firmly behind Buffy. "Do you want me to wag my finger at you and tell you that you acted rashly? You did. A-and I can. But... if it's guilt you're looking for, Buffy, I'm, I'm not your man. All you will get from me is, is my support. And my respect."
Artistic -
As someone with no artistic ability, I am impressed by Rupert's talent. He can draw an Initiative soldier just from Buffy's description and he can make even a boring tutorial on the Gentlemen entertaining with his illustrations. Add to that his command of the language and his amazing singing voice and he is artistic in so many ways. Even Anya was speechless when she saw him sing. And that's saying a lot.
Thorough -
Rupert isn't the sort of man to do things halfway. If he's going to research a prophecy, he's going to have pages of notes and diagrams with footnotes. He can always find a book on a subject and more impressively, he can usually read it, no matter what language it's in. There is no such thing as good enough, hence we get him saying, "Well, you weren't here from midnight until six researching it."
Caring -
For most Watchers, their Slayer is a duty. There is no emotional bond, it's all just business. Rupert seems to have an all or nothing personality and he cannot separate his emotions from the equation. He is there when they need him to listen, he helps them through the rough patches. Fighting demons may be a job, but loving these children is not.
Heroic -
When one thinks of a hero, one thinks of someone who puts themselves on the line for the greater good. From the very beginning when Rupert saved Buffy from Amy's mother by offering himself to the dark powers we saw a man who put others before his safety. And as he lay in the ruins of the Magic Box after tricking Willow into taking his good magic, we realised that he would sacrifice himself in a heartbeat to save the world and protect the kids.
Eloquent -
I listened to many professors lecture and by and large, they have one thing in common; they are mindnumbingly boring. While the kids seemed to think that Rupert wasn't very entertaining, I was very impressed with his command of the language. His speech about the earth being older than we know actually held my interest. And I know that he was trying to avoid words like "indecorous", but if he asked me out that way, I would go in a heartbeat. Maybe it's the accent, but I honestly think it's the sensitive, intelligent man who can stop any conversation with the words, "Dear Lord!"
Righteous -
I know this word will give most of you pause, but there was a reason that I went with it. Through all seven seasons, we see a man who had so many chances to walk away and live a normal life. With his education, he could have gotten a better job, purchased a house, gotten a wife, some kids, and a dog. He was a respected expert in the field of obscure relics. He had worked for the British Museum. He could have done so much more that would have given him personal glory, yet he worked in a small town high school library and walked graveyards every night with no recognition at all. If that doesn't make him a righteous man, then what does.