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neopolitan.bsky.social
frances (vent user mccloud)
@neopolitan.bsky.social
30 followers 54 following 1 posts
24 | she/they | raikov irl
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Reposted by frances (vent user mccloud)
asheroth161.bsky.social
About Volgin and his sexuality (extra image for additional alt text):
It is not possible to adequately map Volgin's character with a reductive or exclusionary framework of queerness. This is not merely because of his complex interactions with both men and women, but also his priority for sadism over easily-read superficial sexuality. Chronologically(ish): Volgin takes an interest in Tatyana after Adamska mentions that she's "Sokolov's woman". Volgin describes her as "a nice catch", and seems to enjoy the idea of taking her away from Sokolov more than direct attraction to her. She is to be used, not desired. In that scene, his dialogue about her mirrors his dialogue about the nuclear weapons delivered to him by Voyevoda: "new toy[s]" for him to play with, tools to further his drive for domination. However, he still refers to Tatyana as "your lover" when threatening Sokolov later, using her as leverage while he tortures her. This reinforces his view of her as an object of sadistic manipulation and entertainment, not an object of sexual or sensual desire. When Jack sees Tatyana's scars later, she explains that they come from Volgin's "hobby". Her phrasing would seem to imply that his interest in her is singular instead of varied. Volgin's interest in Raikov is different, though still not very transparent. His confidence in aggressively groping Jack disguised as Raikov implies a more sensual and private relationship, as do other details like the lightning bolt (Volgin's symbol) on Raikov's underwear. After discovering Jack's disguise, Volgin comments that he'll make Jack pay for hurting Raikov. This implies some combination of ownership and protectiveness. Though the extent is unclear, the general representation of a voluntary committed interest in each other is present. Gay. After stripping Jack at the beginning of the torture scene, Volgin compliments Jack's body. More so: Volgin reads Jack's body like an open book, and seems to admire it both if it's pristine or if it's heavily scarred. He never comments on women's bodies in this way. Though he says that Tatyana is "a fine woman", that is in the context of her obedience and her willingness to be his "pet". As soon as her treachery is revealed, her "fineness" is rendered in past-tense. Volgin's interest in women is purely about domination and sadism. When he references Tatyana's kisses, he goes as far as describing his own role as passive - receiving kisses from her, implying disinterest and coldness. In contrast to Adamska, Volgin appears uncomfortable showing any sort of sensuality towards women. When fighting in the hangar, Volgin repeatedly refers to Jack as "mine", even going so far as to threaten Adamska, his own ally, with being shot if Adamska interferes by hurting Jack. Volgin has already grown attached to Jack in a fashion that he never demonstrates with women. His relationship with Adamska is more subtle, but still relevant. A young Adamska was taken in by Volgin and given special treatment after WWII - Volgin became Adamska's mentor in more than one way, and we see Adam's interest in torture bloom under Volgin's influence. Volgin could be very vaguely described as "bi" or as "gay", but that is the broadest possible umbrella, and it doesn't convey the exceedingly unique characterization that makes Volgin actually interesting. He's a bisexual sadist and also a gay man, even just on the surface.
January 10, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by frances (vent user mccloud)
chairtraveler.bsky.social
frost has so many including baby pics :,)
March 7, 2025 at 4:26 PM