"The Gift" Analysis #7
Jamal’s wish that Livvie and Alison “walk in each other’s shoes” brings into being a series of humorous scenarios in which Alison, assuming Livvie’s sensual, spitfire personality, amorously stalks her uptight fiancé, while Livvie, suddenly behaving like a caricature of Alison, confounds Caleb with her saccharine-sweet domesticity. Each is transformed into an exaggerated version of the other, a parody of Livvie, as perceived by Alison, a mimicry of Alison, as performed by Livvie. Neither, however, knows she is acting out of character. They are under a spell, oblivious to the incongruity of their behavior.
Their personality transfer, though amusing, emphasizes the potentially sinister implications of the ring’s power, its ability to control the psyche, to manipulate people as if they were merely playthings in a surreal scenario. Imagination and desire, combined with the perverse magic of the ring, bring into being circumstances transcending free will, logic, and human paradigms of reality. The psychological transformations are troubling reminders that personality is mutable, subject to forces beyond conscious control.
Her stiletto-heeled shoes suddenly replaced by Alison’s comfy sneakers, Livvie immediately starts taking on Alison’s personality traits as well as her taste in clothes. Leaving the warehouse and heading towards the Elixir, she arrives there just as Caleb is in the process of strangling Frank. Since Frank has persisted in his reckless, self-destructive behavior and refused to abide by the treaty Caleb and Rafe have agreed upon, Caleb has decided to fulfill Frank’s suicidal desires. Livvie, however, suddenly averse to bloodshed, cowers at the sight of her lover’s hands squeezing the life out of Frank.
“Come on, Caleb! Come on, stop!” Livvie pleads, grabbing his arm. “What are you doing?” She looks at Caleb, a horrified expression on her face.
“Fulfilling a final request,” Caleb mutters, teeth clenched. “You want to watch?” |
