It should surprise no-one that my first introduction to the concept of Waterloo was from Abba:
My my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender
Oh yeah, and I have met my destiny in quite a similar way
The history book on the shelf
Is always repeating itselfWaterloo – I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo – promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo – couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo – knowing my fate is to be with you
Waterloo – finally facing my WaterlooMy my, I tried to hold you back but you were stronger
Oh yeah, and now it seems my only chance is giving up the fight
And how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I loseWaterloo – I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo – promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo – couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo – knowing my fate is to be with youAnd how could I ever refuse
I feel like I win when I loseWaterloo – I was defeated, you won the war
Waterloo – promise to love you for ever more
Waterloo – couldn’t escape if I wanted to
Waterloo – knowing my fate is to be with you
Waterloo – finally facing my Waterloo
The extended etymological sense of “a final, crushing defeat” was first referenced in an 1816 letter of Lord Byron. And yes, it was a final, crushing defeat, but as Janet so eloquently posted yesterday, one in four soldiers died.
Meeting one’s Waterloo is something to be avoided. I’ve had a few near misses, but thus far have dodged any final, crushing defeats (although temporary ones are in abundance).
In books, the potential ‘final, crushing defeat’ is what is more normally called the Black Moment–that time in the book when neither the author nor the reader sees a possible way out of the situation that won’t result in misery, loss of love, loss of life, or eternal heartbreak. What makes our books so revelatory is that we do always find a way out, a way to vanquish that defeat with love, or a compromise, or a sacrifice. Literary fiction doesn’t always give us the Happy Ending, at least not the unabashed Happy Ending; romantic fiction does, thank goodness, so we can see hope amidst the fighting.
Have you ever had your own Waterloo? What happened? Are you a fan of the ‘gasp, clutch your chest and wonder how they’ll get out of it’ books, like I am? Who’s your favorite Black Moment author?
Robert Bausch. I think his best book is “A Hole in the Earth”,but all his books are engrossing.
I hope none of us has had a final crushing defeat! As long as we breathe we have the capacity to “retrench.”
I can’t think of a great “Black Moment” author, because I have-like-no memory.
But let us all pause a moment this day for the one in four who lost their lives at Waterloo! As Wellington said, “Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won.”
Diane, good point–I guess I should’ve said ‘close Waterloo.’
Kat, I don’t know Robert Bausch! I’ll look him up. Always happy to get word of mouth (word of blog?) recs.
Thanks so much for putting that song in my head today, Megan! Now I can’t get it out. Maybe I need to pop in “Mama Mia” and watch it for a Friday night treat 🙂
I’ve come pretty close to some Waterloo like defeats, but somehow I always manage to muddle through – battered but not defeated. I come from really stubborn stock – Native Americans and Welsh coal miners.
Sometimes lying there after something or someone knocks you flat gives you time to think over your options and decide what to do. I have figured out that happiness is a decision, just like most things in life.
I have figured out that happiness is a decision, just like most things in life.
Wise words, O Doggie One! I totally agree with you.
I read this post in my vulnerable a.m. hours and have had “Waterloo” in my head all DAY!
Maybe I’ll take Amanda’s medicine & watch Mamma Mia!, or I could resort to sure-fire Lady gaga cure.
Megan is Earworm Queen!!!
Well, the “Mama Mia” thing didn’t work! Now I just have “Honey, Honey” going through my head instead.
Awwww, Chiquitita, tell me what’s wrong! Darling, can’t you hear me? SOS!
(Try Bad Romance, dangerous but it works.)