Concerning Spock
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| Title: | Concerning Spock |
| Creator: | Diane Marchant |
| Date(s): | 1975 |
| Medium: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Topic: | |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Concerning Spock is a 5-page 1975 essay by Diane Marchant.
It was printed in Beyond Antares #1.
Similar Essays by Marchant
- Analysis of Nurse Christine Chapel (1975)
- Concerning Spock (1975)
- Pandora's Box... Again (1975)
Some Topics Discussed
- because Vulcan life expectancy is three times that of a human, Spock's behavior and predicament in "Amok Time" (which Marchant mistakenly cites "Naked Time") reflects one of puberty; his mental maturity is far in advance of his biological maturity
- Spock is always fighting with his Vulcan side and human side
- Spock is an outlier on the Enterprise, and many do not understand him
- he loves Kirk
- he likes McCoy
- Christine Chapel is someone he holds in very high regard, cares for her
- Marchant writes of many examples of Spock's connection and affection for Christine Chapel
- there is much discussion about Spock's feelings about his mother and father
- why did Spock choose to join Starfleet
From the Essay
His existence in itself could be considered quite extraordinary. For surely a Vulcan/Terran hybrid must be almost unique. Consider the odds against such a phenomena, they must have been astronomical.
On board the Enterprise his close friends know and understand this. They accept Spock's outwardly removed, aloof attitude. All the time aware if not always understanding the struggle raging within him.
But to the rest of the crew his is an object to be held in awe. An officer to look up to, but they have little knowledge of the unique man behind the stoic mask and manner. Some even dislike him because they cannot comprehend his seemingly non-emotionalism.
His captain, James T. Kirk knows and appreciates his first offer's unique qualities and friendship. He has a quiet understanding and insight into what makes Spock tick. He shows delight and often surprise at his first officer's quietly suppressed humor. Spock's jousting with words and quick eye twinkles plus his running verbal conflict with McCoy adds variety to Kirk's command. Spock's outward embarrassment and coolness cannot really hide his deep admiration, loyalty, and yes, love for his captain. [1]
... Spock appears determined in his main directive that [Christine] would not be called upon to share his lonely purgatory. He would not condemn another earth woman to the non-emotional existence that had been his mother's lot on Vulcan. Spock tortured himself over the fact that he had never been able to give a little and tell his mother that he loved her.
Why the choice of Starfleet? Well this was an opportunity to strike out on his own by using his own particular talents. It was also a chance to learn about and observe something of his mother's people. To come to know and perhaps understand his own human side a little better. It was also a chance to satisfy some of that inborn curiosity of his about all and everything. To explore space and many worlds, observing and learning whilst serving and being useful.
References
- ^ This love was first mentioned in Jenny Elson's 1973 essay: The Inter-Relationships of Enterprise Crew Members.