Doctor Who Review: Deep Breath - 10 Ways To Breathe New Life Into An Old Soul
7. Beyond The Veil
Deep Breath is very much about the mirage of the exterior world and how it changes depending upon the perception of the viewer. Madame Vastra uses her veil not as a mask but as a reminder that the sense of sight goes beyond the light that enters our eyes. It is also the thoughts that pierce our consciousness. Vastras veil is not a concession by the wearer to prejudice but a mark of defiance in the face of willful blindness. She teaches Clara that this garment is not a cage for the wearer but for the viewer as it is they who are choosing to remain ignorant. Similarly the Doctors face does not define who he is. It is simply one aspect of his persona and to only see that is to miss the true nature of the being beneath the mask. The cyborg wears the skins of its victims like a suit of armor but cannot hide the machine within. To take anything at face value is to dismiss reality for fantasy. Because we choose to believe there is nothing beyond what we see doesnt mean that more does not exist.
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.
