For some people, almost an unbelievably ludicrous blue octopus while for some others (and I belong to this category), easily the most affectionate and warm person, ever deserving to be raised above the hierarchy of animals.
It is rather uncanny that for a person who usually hates cartoons of every kind, the first episode of ‘Oswald’ would have drawn my attention. I loved his easygoing nature (something that I admit I don’t relate to anymore) , the spontaneous generosity, and the alacrity with which he helps others. No doubt it has some definite utopian elements- there’s never a shortage of silver coins in ‘
One of the best things about the character of Oswald is the fact that he does not seem to let go of his childlike ways- important things that we somehow seem to shrug off as we grow older. The question that arises then is that- Is Oswald an adult?
I would say he is. I think he is empowered with the faculty of rationality, one of the main premises for why I believe he is an adult. Even the world that he inhabits, the world that comprises characters like the Sunflower, Daisy, the fastidious Penguin, Henry or even his pet Winnie are all miniature adult figures.
While some may think that Oswald’s mannerisms are painfully exaggerated, for instance, his constant ”my pleasure” or even opening and closing doors for people (which might have been borrowed from the chivalric code of conduct) I do believe it’s something that adults and children can both learn much from. The creator unabashedly showcases his characters as aware, polite and clean (24x7) to probably drill in his viewers a moral conscience. Oswald must look around exactly three times before he crosses the road, Winnie must have a bath everyday, and favourites must never fluctuate- always, “one ‘swizzleberry swirl’ please….or cocoa with ‘three marshmallows- no less, no more’.
Even if the part about the didacticism of the show puts you off, I do think that no one can help but appreciate his ingenuity. It is not an unjust portrayal- characters are not forced to behave in a certain way, they genuinely feel for each other, and even more importantly it is how they ARE. It makes one want to reach their level- one wishes he could make a birdhouse for helpless birds, bake a cake that sinks into the water and NOT complain about it or even feed worms that eat up tomatoes planted by you. The show also reiterates in all its episodes the dominant theme of ‘good always triumphs’. If Oswald privileges others over himself it is still him who gets the best in the end. For example- one of my favourite episodes, ‘The Sammy Starfish Show’ highlights Oswald’s good nature (that is to be euphemistic) as he saves a place for his friends in the queue to buy tickets for the Sammy Starfish show. Eventually while his turn comes, the tickets are predictably sold out. Oswald is torn and upset. Even then, he helps out a ‘bunny’ take a heavy piano onto the stage and what happens? He ends up sharing the stage with his favourite Sammy by accompanying him on the piano (yay!).
However viewers may find another element in the show highly utopian and also unreal. Some of the episodes seem to negate the idea of competition. In ‘The Go-Kart Race’ Oswald’s morality is again privileged over the participants’ potential. Oswald ultimately wins the race not necessarily because of his skilled driving but also because he helps out competitors during the race. ‘The sand sculpture contest’ again shows Oswald’s inability to choose a clear winner lest he hurt the feelings of people. Such inadequacies though noticeable are only negligible in the face of the strengths I have mentioned earlier (and here, I allow my readers to be critical of me).
Although I don’t wish to be a creature with eight feet and blue in colour, I do wish for a heart as large as Oswald’s.
Note- The author highly recommends the show.
(Author-Rashi Tiwary)
1 comment:
Just for the record, you writing a critical piece on Oswald, is one of the reasons I adore you. :)
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