Jump to content

Recommended Posts

For discussion of themes and topics of the story as it's posted.

 

This is the first novella  in AC Benus’ series about Simon and his journey towards understanding himself and the at times puzzling behavior of people around him.

If you missed it the first time, be sure to follow the series from the beginning and catch the two previously unpublished stories which will round off this amazing tale.

 

Find the story here:

https://www.gayauthors.org/story/ac-benus/judastreenovellaone

  • Like 2
Link to comment

For anyone not familiar with the flora mentioned in the title, here is what they look like:

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=red+bud+tree&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Eyz5U9__NoaayASrv4D4AQ&ved=0CD4QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=763

 

And here is some information on the species: 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cercis_canadensis 

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 2
Link to comment

And here is some information on the species: 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cercis_canadensis 

 

Interesting that a local tree of the same genus (Cercis) but not being the same species, nonetheless gets called Judas Tree by the town. Probably this stems from immigrants seeing a familiar looking tree and immediately saying "Oh look, the Judas Tree grows here too." By the time botanists got there, the town was already named Judas Tree, lol.

 

This is what I found on wikipedia about the original species and the myth: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Tree_(Cercis_siliquastrum)

 

Now what I really want to know is what kind of tree the Fag Tree is. It seems to have the same type of pods as the Cercis species, but to be a much larger tree.

Oh right - I searched for the name cigar tree and came up with this info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa

Edited by Timothy M.
  • Like 2
Link to comment

Interesting that a local tree of the same genus (Cercis) but not being the same species, nonetheless gets called Judas Tree by the town. Probably this stems from immigrants seeing a familiar looking tree and immediately saying "Oh look, the Judas Tree grows here too." By the time botanists got there, the town was already named Judas Tree, lol.

 

You are right about settlers seeing something new but similar and using the 'old' word for it. Think of European cranberries vs. North American cranberries, Asian mulberry vs. European mulberry, and the same holds true with the Judas tree. I also think of the old word pumpkin, or pompion, which was used before the discovery of America to describe a pattypan form of gourd that was eaten in May (as cited in the OED). Now, it's the North American varieties of pumpkin that have replaced the old meaning entirely.     

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 3
Link to comment

Now what I really want to know is what kind of tree the Fag Tree is. It seems to have the same type of pods as the Cercis species, but to be a much larger tree.

Oh right - I searched for the name cigar tree and came up with this info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalpa

The cigar tree and its slang name is used in the story as example of how things get horribly twisted around. The tradition of the pods being a substitute for tobacco made the North American tree a handy one to test out in other parts of the world. When it got to British-controlled territories, the smoking connection led the locals to begin referring to it as 'the fag tree,' meaning 'the cigarette tree.' There is debate and some evidence to show that the prejudiced use of fag for Gay men began around the 1917, or exactly the time that American soldiers were hobnobbing with soldiers from Britain and her Commonwealth/Empire. In any event, the term 'fag tree' returned with these men and became equal to 'cigar tree,' but as time went by the fag and cigarette connection was totally lost. So, we have an assumption on the part of people that the tree is connected to Gay men in some way, and thus the speculation of what that could be.

 

Needless to say, none of this is really fiction. When we were kids, we called it both cigar and fag tree, and talked about the meaning of the second name just as the kids in the story do.     

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 3
Link to comment

The Eagle 1, from Space: 1999. Man, did l love that show! Re-watching it as an adult, I confirmed what I thought about it as a child; it is dark and edgy. There is a special quality to that particular piece of science fiction that is rarely match for intensity and brooding sophistry. 

 

Here is information on Eagle 1:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Transporter

 

And here is the toy version, which was awesomely detailed, and frightfully expensive for a mass produced toy in the 70's.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Eagle+1,+from+Space:1999?&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=76H7U7vjEI7noATZkYLYBA&ved=0CCoQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=763

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 2
Link to comment

Here is the pilot episode for Space:1999 from 1974. I think you will be surprised at how high the productions values were for that time, and for a space program. (But remember, this was only three years before Star Wars was released, so they knew how to do!)

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment

Here is the pilot episode for Space:1999 from 1974. I think you will be surprised at how high the productions values were for that time, and for a space program. (But remember, this was only three years before Star Wars was released, so they knew how to do!)

 

If nothing else, skip ahead to catch some the Funkiest program music ever shown on TV! That starts at minute 4:50

  • Like 2
Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

The first two novellas are complete. Simon and we have a much clearer understanding of what is going on and the dangers he is facing.

 

We have seen Simon resist the attempt of the scary sister T to tell tales about Ralph and to project her own twisted perception onto his good and innocent soul.

 

He has also managed to revise his understanding of Greg and Joey, and look at past incomprehensible happenings in a new way, even if he is still puzzled by some aspects.

 

Mostly we can deduce what is going on, but there are still questions we hope to get answered in the next novellas:

How will Simon cope with sister T and further attempts to influence him?

What is the new priest like? - is Father Strathmore a breath of fresh air, and does he know about Monsigneur Helfgott ?

What will Simon do about his new knowledge about himself? He is so young and nothing is certain yet, even if we can see the signs. Does his parents see them too?

  • Like 2
Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Novella Three is being posted now and started off with Simon in the unusual role of being the bad guy. It's interesting to see how readers get very upset about this, yet stay with the story as it takes us back in time to find out how Simon ended up in this situation. Especially, since Dustin is a wonderful guy and friend.

  • Like 2
Link to comment

I have just finished the most recent chapter of Judas Tree. It was the typical AC endeavor, full of so much, from the more obvious to the gently nuanced. It, like the whole story, continues to take me down my own memory lane which is oft times uncomfortable, yet sometimes even soothing in it's overall innocence. It is an incredible experience to look again through the eyes of a 12 year old boy and remember what it was like and how confusing it could be. I approached this story with trepidation but now I can say that I am so glad that I took the plunge and it has already given me much more than I bargained for...not even taking into account AC's exceptional writing skills. Simon is a fascinating character who I have grown to care for...and I am strongly hoping for him to redeem himself in my eyes...if he doesn't then the luminous Dustin will fall into the category of young love betrayed and a beautiful friendship brutalized... because of fear  and uncertainty and shame imposed upon children by the adults and the peers in their life,oft times directed by their distorted religious beliefs.I could go on and on and on....cheers...Gary

  • Like 3
Link to comment

I have just finished the most recent chapter of Judas Tree. It was the typical AC endeavor, full of so much, from the more obvious to the gently nuanced. It, like the whole story, continues to take me down my own memory lane which is oft times uncomfortable, yet sometimes even soothing in it's overall innocence. It is an incredible experience to look again through the eyes of a 12 year old boy and remember what it was like and how confusing it could be. I approached this story with trepidation but now I can say that I am so glad that I took the plunge and it has already given me much more than I bargained for...not even taking into account AC's exceptional writing skills. Simon is a fascinating character who I have grown to care for...and I am strongly hoping for him to redeem himself in my eyes...if he doesn't then the luminous Dustin will fall into the category of young love betrayed and a beautiful friendship brutalized... because of fear  and uncertainty and shame imposed upon children by the adults and the peers in their life,oft times directed by their distorted religious beliefs.I could go on and on and on....cheers...Gary

Thank you Gary so much for posting this. Simon may have some growing to do yet, but do not count him out. There is so much more to say, but i cannot 'go there' until the whole novella is posted.      

  • Like 3
Link to comment

So Novella Three has been concluded with two chapters posted at the same time. Thank you for not making us wait, AC. I'm glad I don't have to be depressed for a week before the catharsis of the last chapter. I can spend the rest of the weekend contented in knowing that Simon and Dustin had a whole spring of innocent friendship - and a nice summer in front of them.

  • Like 2
Link to comment

So Novella Three has been concluded with two chapters posted at the same time. Thank you for not making us wait, AC. I'm glad I don't have to be depressed for a week before the catharsis of the last chapter. I can spend the rest of the weekend contented in knowing that Simon and Dustin had a whole spring of innocent friendship - and a nice summer in front of them.

Thank you, Timothy M for all of your generous support.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

I for one am always amazed at how other people can reflect and comment upon a work I have written in ways that make me see greater significance. Through a personal message exchange on GA I have given recent attention to what exactly the relationship between Jake and his father means in the first novella, Judas Tree.

 

It suddenly seems profoundly clear to me, and I can say I had never framed it in quite this understanding, but the way we see Jake's father bully and abuse his son because of a perceived trait (which in this case is a cruel assumption that the young man is Gay) is the way intolerant religious dogma tells LGTB youth that God perceives and wants to punish them.

 

In the novella, Jake's father 'blames' his son for a trait, that if it exists, is as inborn as the boy's chestnut-colored hair. So in that same light, haters who prop-up a rueful God say He does the same to Gay people – granting an inborn feature that He is then supposed to hate. The manic nastiness, and physical abuse of Jake's father, is a mirror to show the intolerant of same-sex love what they are creating as a god-image, and that it is frightening and sad. His father creates a living hell for the boy, to punish him for the way his father made him, and everyone can see this attitude of a 'caregiver' must be wrong. Wrong, because as Simon ponders, God's love must be greater than even the greatest love a mother or father can bless upon their children.       

  • Like 2
Link to comment

The first chapter of the fourth Novella is up. This story has never been published on GA before, and I can't wait to see what you think of it.

I may be wrong, but I think this is the first time you are seeing the title... Is that correct, Tim? I would be interested to find out your initial reaction - for as you know, I struggled with the name of the piece.   

  • Like 1
Link to comment
  • 2 weeks later...

Here are some thoughts on Chapter 4 of Unafraid:

 

I was going to review it, but I need to think about it--so many things raging and warring inside: Father Strathmore's hypocrisy and cold-heartedness, Simon's slow withdrawal from his surety in Catholocism--but not yet ready to see the Church for the hollow institution it is, the betrayal of Terry and his self-deception, and his concern for Jodie.  I was so sure that Strathmore was going to molest him, and wanted to scream for him.

 

I don't know these things, but is it possible for Simon to refuse Confession and still go to school?  And why do we not hear anything of his parents?  Can't they see anything going on with him?  Are they religiously intolerant also?

 

Okay, got this out somewhat logically.

 

And, thinking some more just a minute ago in a private message to AC:

 

I saw that everyone was generally so upbeat about Simon being more courageous, but it seems to me that it is coming at too great a cost right now, and is making him hesitant or unwilling to admit his disaffection with the Church.

 

Jodie tried to tell him to confess only those things which were true sins, and not anything he thought was not the Church's concern--alas, he was still too programmed to do that.

  • Like 2
Link to comment

Here are some thoughts on Chapter 4 of Unafraid:

 

I was going to review it, but I need to think about it--so many things raging and warring inside: Father Strathmore's hypocrisy and cold-heartedness, Simon's slow withdrawal from his surety in Catholocism--but not yet ready to see the Church for the hollow institution it is, the betrayal of Terry and his self-deception, and his concern for Jodie.  I was so sure that Strathmore was going to molest him, and wanted to scream for him.

 

I don't know these things, but is it possible for Simon to refuse Confession and still go to school?  And why do we not hear anything of his parents?  Can't they see anything going on with him?  Are they religiously intolerant also?

 

Okay, got this out somewhat logically.

 

And, thinking some more just a minute ago in a private message to AC:

 

I saw that everyone was generally so upbeat about Simon being more courageous, but it seems to me that it is coming at too great a cost right now, and is making him hesitant or unwilling to admit his disaffection with the Church.

 

Jodie tried to tell him to confess only those things which were true sins, and not anything he thought was not the Church's concern--alas, he was still too programmed to do that.

Thank you, ColumbusGuy for posting your thoughts here.

 

The forum is best for a back and forth, as everyone can participate.

 

I think Simon does not know how much power he has. He is unaware how 'frightening' he is to the very balance that Terry and Father Strathmore need to keep their unhealthy equilibrium. So in that regard, I too feel he's heroic and triumphal when he stands up and calls 'bullshit' on both of those men. He still is troubled though, and you say it best when you talk of his "slow withdrawal from his surety in Catholicism." He is coming to wonder what's so holy about all of it, if it comes from a place not connected to a human heart.

 

The next and final part contains the final puzzle piece that Simon needs.

 

I am so glad you asked about his parents, because if you remember in the first novella, Simon is asked why he and his parents do not come to church regularly on Sunday. Simon's answer is basically that his folks like to sleep in. So, they are not religiously intolerant; they are religiously passive. Simon has not relayed to them that anything is amiss, because remember Simon only figured out what happened to Ralph one week ago. The question now becomes, who can he confide in? And, will be feel safe enough to do so.

 

And I agree, he should have listened to Jodie, but then again, when he said that he kissed a boy he was answering a direct question about what he and Terry were up to. It's Strathmore who then told Simon it was wrong, although Simon never really thought that. (That was such a nerve-racking tightrope to walk when writing that scene, it gave me panic attacks that it would all seem forced, but I think it worked out.)    

 

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts here      

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 1
Link to comment

I'm sorry AC, I thought that much more time had passed since he saw Ralph in the vestry...I got the idea that the Dustin episode happened in between those incidents. :(  And, while a Lutheran kid, we didn't put kids through spritually claustrophobic schooling beyond Sunday School and Catechism lessons--which I managed not to take since we couldn't go at that time due to my father's two jobs.

 

I too am heartened by Simon's increasing awareness...it just hurts so much to see that an institution which is supposed to preach love, makes it impossible to show that love universally.  Saying it is due to society's strictures is not true in my opinion, because Western society is intrinsically bound up with Christian mores which were blinkered for a millenium and a half by Catholic dogma; and we all are aware that Church policy has always been shaped more by the beliefs of the chief authority's 'interpretation' of Scripture.  I don't hold with anyone trying to pass off their own views or interpretations as Holy Writ, whether they be Catholic, Baptist or Muslim.

 

The world was a much more tolerant place under the heathen religions of Rome, Greece and even the Germanic pantheons.  Just saying. :)

  • Like 1
Link to comment

I'm sorry AC, I thought that much more time had passed since he saw Ralph in the vestry...I got the idea that the Dustin episode happened in between those incidents. :(  And, while a Lutheran kid, we didn't put kids through spritually claustrophobic schooling beyond Sunday School and Catechism lessons--which I managed not to take since we couldn't go at that time due to my father's two jobs.

 

Well, you are not mistaken. The Ralph meeting in the vestry was three years ago, but Simon had no idea what was going on until last week. No idea until the priest laid a hand on Simon's leg; that was the moment that Simon 'understood' the probability of why Ralph had been so upset, and why all the warnings were going around about never being alone with the priest. Up until that point, Simon really did not imagine anything like that was possible. That all changed 

Edited by AC Benus
  • Like 1
Link to comment

I saw above that AC is a fan of Space: 1999, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one out there!  I have always had a weakness for science-fiction in any format--most of my library is that or historical.  Of course, we now conjecture that the loss of the Moon would be a huge disaster altering our axial tilt and rotational speed, but that was incidental back in the '70s. 

 

Several observations I have about the series: I always liked Barry Morse who played the chief scientist--some thought he was dry and boring, but not me.  I also thought the blond Eagle pilot was hot, although the sideburns populart then were a big turn-off. :)

 

The second season I thought was a let-down since the show had then been tailored to sell in the American market--I think that's why there wasn't more of it--the old fans hated the new style, and the new Americans thought it was too 'stuffy'.  I never caught on to the Maia character, though her powers were cool.

 

This just occurred to me thinking about it: am I the only one who sees the communicator devices as vaguely penis-shaped?  Now the image of talking into one could make you squirm. :)

 

On a semi-related note: I loved three movies from the mid-70s, Planet Earth, Genesis II and Strange New World..all about coming back from suspended animation to a devastated Earth...all were by Gene Roddenberry.

Can't forget either, the Logan's Run movie and tv series, which sorta sucked, but that brings up a tv series called Ark II, which was pretty neat.

  • Like 1
Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Our Privacy Policy can be found here: Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..