The Book of Love
The Book of Mo 7
by Link, KellyIn this chapter of *The Book of Mo 7*, the narrative unfolds through an intimate and reflective conversation between Mo and Thomas. Though Thomas insists he must leave, he remains close to Mo, highlighting their shared immortality and the comfort found in their physical closeness. Mo contemplates the deeper sensations and emotions he experiences with Thomas—things he had never considered including in his “list song,” a metaphorical inventory of his life’s actions. The moment captures the tension between desire and restraint, as Mo experiences orgasm denial under Thomas’s control, which unexpectedly intensifies their connection and Mo’s pleasure.
The chapter delves into the concept of the “list song,” a private mental recital where Mo crosses off experiences, leaving gaps for others to guess what those omitted moments might be. This idea suggests a life rich with hidden stories and pleasures, known only to Mo himself. As the conversation continues, Mo probes Thomas about their existence and nature, wondering if their insatiable sexual needs are akin to a zombie’s hunger for brains. Thomas elaborates on the various supernatural means by which beings like them sustain themselves, drawing on magical objects or living beings, invoking classic mythologies such as vampires and witches, thus broadening the metaphysical framework of their world.
The dialogue takes a playful yet insightful turn as Mo questions the reality of vampires and the nature of blood consumption, touching on cultural taboos and the symbolism of bodily fluids in magic. Thomas confirms that these elements—menstrual blood and semen—hold significant magical power due to their association with secrecy and taboo, adding a layer of depth to the narrative’s exploration of magic and corporeality. The chapter balances humor and seriousness, with Mo’s lighthearted inquiry into earwax prompting genuine laughter from Thomas, reinforcing their camaraderie and the warmth of their relationship.
Ultimately, the chapter blends themes of immortality, desire, magic, and secrecy within a tender, intimate setting. Mo’s reflections and their shared moments reveal a complex and nuanced relationship, one that intertwines physicality with mystical elements. The mixture of playful banter and profound revelation underscores the unique lens through which the narrative views life, pleasure, and survival, while maintaining a tone that is both contemplative and engaging.
FAQs
1. How does the chapter illustrate the relationship between Mo and Thomas, and what significance does their physical closeness have in the narrative?
Answer:
The chapter portrays Mo and Thomas in an intimate and tender moment, lying naked together with Mo beneath Thomas. This physical closeness symbolizes vulnerability, trust, and emotional connection, highlighting the depth of their relationship beyond mere immortality or magical aspects. Mo enjoys the sensory details—Thomas’s breath, the rise and fall of his chest—and these moments contrast with the otherwise mystical or magical elements of their existence. Their closeness also emphasizes Mo’s internal conflict about his desires and the rules they must follow, such as orgasm denial, which adds layers to their dynamic and humanizes their supernatural experience.2. What is the “list song” mentioned in the chapter, and how does it function as a metaphor for Mo’s experiences?
Answer:
The “list song” is a metaphorical device that represents a catalog of experiences, particularly sexual acts or significant moments, that Mo keeps track of mentally. As Mo crosses items off the list, they become pauses in the performance of the song—moments that others try to guess or imagine, but can never fully know. This concept underscores the theme of secrecy and the unknowability of personal history, especially for immortal beings like Mo. It also reflects Mo’s desire to record and acknowledge his experiences while maintaining some mystery. The list song metaphorically captures the tension between revealing and concealing personal truths.3. How does the chapter connect the concepts of immortality, magic, and the need for sustenance, and what examples are provided to explain this connection?
Answer:
The chapter links immortality and magic with the necessity for some form of sustenance to maintain life and power. Thomas explains that beings like them can draw energy from various sources: magical items (such as Malo Mogge’s cup or knife), living creatures (animals or people), or bodily fluids. This explanation serves to demystify supernatural stories like those of vampires and witches, grounding them in the idea that magic requires feeding on life force or energy, which can take many forms. The dialogue also humorously touches on taboos such as menstrual blood and semen as potent magical substances, highlighting the role of cultural secrecy and symbolism in magical practices.4. In what ways does the chapter use humor and cultural references to explore themes of magic and taboo?
Answer:
The chapter uses humor through playful banter between Mo and Thomas, such as Mo’s Dracula imitation and the joke about earwax as a magical substance, which causes Thomas to laugh uncontrollably. These moments lighten the discussion of otherwise serious or taboo topics—like the use of bodily fluids in magic—and invite readers to reconsider cultural myths with a more open, irreverent perspective. References to popular culture, such as “True Blood” fan fiction, serve to critique how mainstream narratives often overlook or mishandle complex realities (e.g., menstrual blood in vampire lore). This blending of humor and cultural critique enriches the narrative by making the mystical more relatable and grounded.5. How might the concept of “orgasm denial” as described in the chapter be interpreted in terms of power dynamics and control within Mo and Thomas’s relationship?
Answer:
Orgasm denial in the chapter functions as a consensual exercise of power and control that deepens intimacy between Mo and Thomas. Thomas’s ability to command Mo not to climax until permitted introduces a dynamic where trust and self-restraint play critical roles. This control is not oppressive but erotic and empowering, as it heightens Mo’s anticipation and pleasure. The practice also reflects the broader theme of boundaries and consent in their immortal, magical lives, showing how even supernatural beings negotiate desire and autonomy. It adds complexity to their relationship by intertwining physicality with psychological and emotional layers of connection.
Quotes
1. “Why? You’re immortal.”
This concise exchange captures the chapter’s exploration of immortality and its emotional nuances, highlighting how being immortal does not preclude desires, intimacy, or hesitation. It sets the tone for the intimate and reflective mood between Mo and Thomas.
2. “You can tell people things, right? Tell people things and then they have to do them.”
“I can, Thomas said. As infrequently as possible, but I can.”
“Then tell me, Mo said. Tell me not to come until you decide I can. That’s on the list. My list song.”This dialogue reveals the intriguing magical concept of commands that must be obeyed, which becomes a metaphor for consent and control in their relationship. It also introduces the “list song” as a structural device for Mo’s experiences and desires.
3. “There are myriad ways for ones like us to sustain ourselves. You can draw from an item that someone has stored their magic in. Like Malo Mogge’s cup. Once she had a knife, I believe. You can draw from living things, like animals or people. There are different ways of doing that, which is why you get so many stories about vampires and succubi and witches sucking cows dry and so on.”
This passage provides a key explanation of the supernatural mechanics in the story’s world, linking folklore and magic to the characters’ existence. It grounds the fantasy elements in a broader mythological context.
4. “Magic is all about patterns and secrecy and taboos. Menstrual blood ticks all the right boxes. Cum, too.”
Here, the narrative confronts taboos head-on, discussing the sources of magical power with frankness and humor. It highlights the theme that magic, desire, and social norms are intertwined, and challenges conventional stigmas.
5. “He was naked, made of magic, and someone thought he was funny.”
This closing reflection encapsulates the chapter’s blend of vulnerability, intimacy, and levity. It emphasizes Mo’s contentment and connection, underscoring the human (and magical) need for acceptance and joy.