THE OBJECTIFICATION AND DESTRUCTION OF ASTRID ELLISON.

A character within the ‘GONE’ series by Michael Grant who evokes a deeply polarized response from both characters in the series and fans reading it alike is that of Astrid Ellison. Commonly known as ‘Astrid the Genius’ by characters, she is typified initially in many ways: the genius, the girlfriend, the religious one, the sister, and so the list continues. Of course, traits and stereotypes like these are part and parcel of creating any character, but they are of particular interest within the series. Something deeply enjoyed by fans of the series is not only that characters go on both extreme and nuanced character growth throughout the series, but that though they can initially be painted in types (This, in numerous novels, a standardized way of instantly giving you a basic understanding of a character), they do not only grow into deeply-faceted characters but as characters who prove themselves otherwise to their initial traits. In this is Astrid Ellison therefore of an even deeper interest in realising this, even amongst a series like Gone. Astrid simultaneously becomes further boxed into her traits by the society that pushes her over the edge into being them, whilst going on a journey that makes her, in some level, the antithesis of them. From being the -albeit reluctant- sister and one who cares for her brother, ‘Little’ Pete Ellison, to being the one who kills him, and from her initial steadfast devotion to God to mocking her past faith and no longer believing in him, she constantly goes against the first images of Astrid we meet.

It is quite literally told to us within the name given to her, ‘Astrid the Genius’, that Astrid is a genius. It is a fundamental part of her character; when we are first introduced to her, it is said ‘Astrid was in all the AP classes the school had’, and that ‘in some subjects, she was taking online courses from the university’. But there are two major ways in which we can explore this that come to mind - on the one hand, how Astrid, a girl viewed as typically attractive, is constantly objectified by characters throughout the series, and on the other, as to how the very title people give to Astrid is something they scorn her for, and in turn, allow this title to be part of the root of her destruction.

Let us look at the objectification then, of Astrid Ellison. Her very intelligence is commodified by her peers through the labelling they give her, despite the fact she does not feel comfortable with it - the same peers who brought this upon her then get annoyed upon her usage of it. However, it is far more than this that occurs, as a great deal of the objectification of Astrid is in fact the way she is diminished otherwise. Once she and Sam fall into a relationship, she is frequently referred to as not Astrid, but as ‘Sam’s girlfriend’, In a sense, this is partially understandable, as he is leading factions of the FAYZ at points, but it is still reductive to her as a person. By her very being as dating Sam and being known as his girlfriend, she, therefore, becomes an object of desire- the proximity Sam holds to power, and her very own status of intelligence and power furthers people viewing her in this fashion- and this creates a sexual and lusting way to which characters perceive her. It is a common and uncomfortable fact, this, that is reflected in the power dynamics of the FAYZ. If society is a typically dangerous place for women, this is further amplified within the more savage society founded in the FAYZ, and though many a character such as Diana Ladris can be used to example the uncomfortable manner of living for women, it is also typified through the lens of Astrid. She can represent the politician, the cleverest person in the room who happens to be a woman, who is quite simply reduced to being a woman because of the power that can hold. It is a way of clenching power further and feeling a sense of being superior; undermining the woman and putting her merely in the context of sexual and physical worth. Upon first meeting, she is often remarked on as pretty by others. This is, however, more unsettling than a mere word, as males within the series pervade this in their mind to a right of possession, wanting to control and have her.

Within the behaviour of Drake Merwin, we have an extreme example of a similarly disturbing treatment towards Astrid and numerous other females within. On a level sheerly of pain and torment, he has a fixation on Astrid that is demonstrated book in and book out, wanting to gain control over her via submission and abusive torture. It is this that gives him satisfaction and pleasure. If we look for an example as for focusing on Astrid as a woman and attractiveness, an answer that comes quickly to mind is that of Zil Sperry. He views her on that level, and in an extension of this, her as desirable due to her position as ‘Sam’s girlfriend’. He is constant in his comments on women, whether it be on his girlfriend Lisa, who he is dismissive of frequently, Astrid, or others.

Aforementioned throughout has been the concept of Astrid as a genius, and in the prior thoughts, I spoke on how this plays into her objectification and the ‘dominance’ people feel as a repercussion of that. In a way, that objectification people try to box her into is so very destructive to her, whilst serving as an example also as to how Astrid is forced into living as her traits, despite also becoming so nuanced in spite of them - this especially showing in the flaws showing throughout her. The very label of Genius boxes her in further.

Astrid is often treated as condescending and up herself by characters within the FAYZ. People act as if she gave herself the title, and made herself the limelight of genius, whereas, in reality, she is said to dislike the title and being known as that - particularly as it becomes a negative. She only truly forces herself into the role at points because it is how people make her, and how they expect her to be; icy cold genius girl. She puts herself in the forefront when needed and knows she needs to, typically using her intelligence behind the scenes. The trouble of the FAYZ, it stands to reason to say, is that the FAYZ thrusts people into living the roles others name then. ‘School Sam Bus’ becomes the hero of the FAYZ. Diana becomes the manipulative veneer all expect, giving back what she gets. And they have to cling onto these things to give them worth, a place, standing in their new society. And it destroys them, even as others go against their given place.

Astrid Ellison is a girl who goes against herself. The apex example of this must be her beautifully wrote journey into disbelieving God in spite of her firm belief initially. She knows impossible things do not happen, and that the laws of physics are set in place, but at the start of the FAYZ, in spite of all that, she believes God is watching down on them, she prays to Mother Mary. She perceives the universe as a set of rules and laws, and yet her logic manifests itself with a potential for change. She acknowledges things outside of her grasp of seeing to believe in. Such as God. That He has a path for her. However, her faith is tested too many times, and in a deep writing, we see her become bitter as she waves farewell to it. Believing in a lack of mercy and Him allowing you to make your own choices only stretches so far.

So…Astrid Ellison is a girl who goes against herself. She changes and grows, as mentioned at the start, and breaks out of her given ways multiple times throughout. But she is also forced into embodying her traits, and labels. Girlfriend. Religious. Genius. Whether objectifying her as these or as an object of desire, it is a constant theme in her story. Quite simply, it lends itself to the destruction of Astrid in the GONE series. She grows back to herself, following lapses throughout the series, though she makes choices she can never undo, but ultimately, in many ways, she is destructed.

- Astrid Ellison is one of the most fascinating fictional characters to me, and quite simply a high favourite of mine. It is always a joy to study her character further, even if my points and discussions may not be agreed on by others. Either way, thank you for reading, and hopefully, appreciating her just a little further.