Valentina believed meeting King Philip “would change her, give her value.” Do you think this is why people seek out celebrities?

When Valentina sees King Philip, she’s surprised that he’s “just a man.” She had believed that “to be gazed upon by him would change her, give her value.” Do you think this is why people seek out celebrities? Are there other reasons that might encourage someone to court the rich, powerful or famous? Have you ever met someone famous, and if so, did it change you in any way? Did they meet your expectations?

People seek out celebrities almost as if they think being close to them will rub off, and their lives will change and become better. You want to see if the celebrities are like you, or different creatures altogether. It is a love/hate relationship.

people love to feel validated, and being "seen" by someone famous can give people that sense of significance. it also is an aspirational lifestyle thing...the allure of celebrity and being near someone famous can be appealing because it means you are "part of" something.

for my work I have met some famous people. I do not subscribe to the "shine of celebrity gazes" or feel that meeting them changes my life in any way. well, except for the paycheck

I don't understand how this question relates to this novel.

I think this has to do with the longer question (above) just below the abbreviated one. Valentina longs to meet King Philip, thinking it'll change her in some way, only to be disappointed that it doesn't. To me, it makes me wonder why we're so fascinated by the rich & famous - and this isn't something new; people have wanted to meet celebrities perhaps as long as there's been such a thing as rank.

I remember when I was a child my mother took me to a play, and we waited at the stage door afterward for the star to come out & sign autographs. It was very exciting, yet I don't know why we felt that way.

Many years ago I drove from my home in Cincinnati to a Doctor Who convention in Tennessee - quite the trek - just so I could meet the Fourth Doctor, Tom Baker. I had a lovely interaction with him, but it quickly became clear the guy was kind of a jerk. But I go back to the question of why I had that fascination in the first place - and I honestly don't know.

It's important to distinguish the character role from the actor portraying that character. Yet, this is difficult to do. We ourselves possess facets of character, some that shine and others that shadow. We all seek characters (celebrities, artists, athletes) who inspire us when we witness their talents. Maybe in their presence, we think they'll further inspire us -- by osmosis?

I have never understood why people think of celebrities as heroes, role models, or influencers who are deserving of one’s attention and time. Perhaps it’s simple curiosity that sells tabloids and makes people crave more information about a king’s medical problems or a movie star’s workout regimen or a golfer’s restaurant. Or maybe some people feel they will be viewed as more important if they can get close to an important person. It’s inexplicable to me.

Some people look at celebrities because they personify something they would like to be. Attractive, talented, rich, smart, and the list goes on. Trends follow celebrities - especially dress and hair styles. Groupies and the like may even try to imitate celebrities.That can also be carried to a fault resulting in bad habits or behaviors being replicated. For example, it seems that certain expletives were not common until they became common in music or stand-up comedy. Some people follow celebrities because they enjoy the venue and appreciate the quality of the music or the performance with no personal aspirations to imitate their lives or lifestyles.

I think Valentina believed that it would change her circumstances and therefore make her more accepted in society because she would be able to be seen as someone who had been introduced to the King. Celebrities fill that role for many people now, who are looking for an opportunity to climb socially by name-dropping or emulating someone that is well know and an influencer. I think they may think it takes the responsibility off of them to accomplish something or be a likable person, if they simply be accepted by the right group. Quite sad, really.

Valentina wanted acceptance and recognition. She felt moving in the right circles would raise her level of acceptance, but at what cost to her as an individual? I think the same is true of people who try “keeping up with The Joneses” again at all costs. They sacrifice becoming their true selves because they are so busy chasing a fantasy.