Doctor Who: 10 Reasons Last Christmas Was The Perfect Waking Dream
2. Chalk And Challenges
Last Christmas reinforces the Doctors role as educator and Claras as acolyte. As his companion wanders through a pretty fantasy of holiday bliss the Doctor tries to reach her through words written on a chalkboard. Clara refuses to accept this gift of knowledge for she is afraid of what she will be forced to give up in exchange. This is the way of all students struggling to leave behind the mask of ignorance yet she overcomes her reluctance by heeding the words of her subconscious mind in the form of Danny Pink. He is the part of her that speaks the truth and she learns to listen. What separates the Doctor from someone like the Master is his unwillingness to leave the classroom. He understands that the only way to learn is to accept that he will never wholly know. To believe in an answer we must believe that there are no more questions and be blinded to further possibility. The Doctor keeps his companions close in order to remind himself of the beauty and wonder in seeking knowledge and new experience.
Mary Ogle is the author and illustrator of “Orangeroof Zoo” a whimsical tale of magical realism told through the pages of a coloring book for adults. Working as a professional artist in the digital medium, Mary’s commissions have included everything from fine art to fan art, book cover design, illustration and book layout. Find more of Mary’s work at www.maryogle.com. Mary currently finds inspiration in the Ojai Valley, residing in a snug little cottage with a recalcitrant cat.
