Why did Shiv want an open marriage?

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

Okay, let's get this party started. You're here because you want to dissect the character of Shiv Roy from the HBO series Succession, specifically her preference for an open relationship. And why not? It's a legitimate question. For those not in the know, Succession is a show about the ultra-rich Roy family and their power struggles to control a massive media conglomerate. Shiv, the only daughter among the Roy progeny, is as complicated as she is ambitious. She's a free bird caught in a gilded cage, and it's this paradox that often pushes her into the grey areas of morality and relationships, which is a fancy way of saying she's into having her cake and eating it too.

II. Shiv's Character Analysis

Diving headfirst into Shiv's character, it's clear she's not your run-of-the-mill heiress. She's sharp, she's smart, and she's got a penchant for playing the field, both in her professional and personal life. Her relationship with Tom Wambsgans, a well-meaning but somewhat naive character, is a masterclass in power dynamics. If you've watched the show, you'd know that she's the one wearing the pants in the relationship. And the hat. And probably the shoes too. Tom is in love, maybe a bit too much, and Shiv exploits this to her advantage, setting the terms of their relationship.

One of the terms, of course, is an open relationship. Why, you ask? Well, I'm glad you did. Because Shiv Roy, my dear friends, is the embodiment of control. She's a woman who wants her freedom, her independence, and her ability to dip her toes in different waters while being securely tied to the shore. The open relationship, in many ways, is a reflection of this control; she gets to explore, to experience, and yet, she has the comfort of a stable relationship to fall back on.

But it's not just about control. It's also about keeping a safe distance. Despite her bravado, Shiv is as vulnerable as the rest of us when it comes to matters of the heart. An open relationship allows her to maintain a wall, a barrier that keeps her safe from getting too emotionally invested. It's like wearing a life jacket while swimming - you get to enjoy the water without the fear of drowning.

And then there's the whole modern, progressive identity thing. Shiv wants to be seen as different from her family, distinct from the old-money, traditional views they represent. An open relationship fits perfectly into this narrative. It screams modern, it screams progressive, and most importantly, it screams "I'm not like my dad". You could say it's her way of rebelling, a silent protest against the Roy family ethos.

So, there you have it - a brief dive into the open relationship mystery of Shiv Roy. A cocktail of control, emotional safety, and rebellion, served with a dash of modernity. But remember, we're just getting started. The world of open relationships is as wide as it is deep, and we've got a lot more to uncover. So buckle up, and let's get ready to take a deep dive into the sociological ocean.

III. Contextual Analysis within the Show

Now, let's sidestep from the world of Shiv for a moment and take a wider view of the canvas she's painted on – the show itself, Succession. It's like taking a step back from a Jackson Pollock painting and realizing there's a whole lot of spatter that somehow makes sense. Succession isn't just about rich folks squabbling over who gets the biggest piece of the pie. It's a study of power and relationships, a look into how the two often intertwine, like some twisted piece of modern art that costs a fortune but just looks like a squiggly line.

The Roy family, where Shiv is but one cog in the machinery, is a classic example of power dynamics gone wild. They're like a pack of wolves, each trying to outdo the other, but still bound by the chains of familial loyalty. It's this environment, this dog-eat-dog world, that shapes Shiv's decisions, including her choice of an open relationship. It's her way of exerting control, of being different, of being... her own wolf, so to speak.

And let's not forget the thematic exploration in the show. Succession uses the open relationship to delve into issues of power, control, and freedom. It's not just about Shiv sleeping around; it's about what that represents in a broader context. It's like when you see a banana taped to a wall and someone tells you it's a commentary on consumerism. It's deeper than it looks, folks.

IV. The Rise of Open Relationships in the 21st Century

Switching gears, let's talk about open relationships in the 21st century. It's like a trend that's caught on like wildfire. Once upon a time, the idea of an open relationship was as scandalous as a reality TV star becoming president. Oh, wait... Anyway, the point is, times are changing.

Open relationships, once the stuff of hushed whispers and raised eyebrows, are now almost mainstream. You've got celebrities openly embracing it, books being written about it, and psychologists debating its pros and cons. It's like the new avocado toast; everyone wants a taste of it.

And why the sudden surge, you ask? Well, society is evolving, my friends. The rigid norms and traditions of monogamy are being questioned, and people are looking for alternatives. It's like when you realize you don't have to eat the same cereal every day; there are options out there.

Moreover, there's a heightened emphasis on individual freedom and personal growth these days. We're living in the age of self-care and self-love, where personal happiness and fulfillment take precedence over societal expectations. An open relationship, for many, offers this freedom, this room for exploration.

And let's not forget the role of technology. With dating apps and social media, the world is quite literally at our fingertips. It's never been easier to connect, to communicate, and to explore different relationship models. It's like being in a candy store and being told you can try everything.

So, there we have it - the rise of open relationships, fueled by changing societal norms, a quest for personal freedom, and technology. It's a brave new world out there, and we're just getting started on understanding it. So, stay tuned, because we've got more exciting stuff coming up.

V. Sociological Implications

Alright, now that we've set the stage with all the why's and how's, let's delve a bit into the so what's. What does the rise of open relationships mean for society and individuals? It's like asking what happens when you replace all the coffee in the world with decaf – there are bound to be implications.

Firstly, there's a shift in societal norms and cultural expectations. As open relationships gain traction, the traditional model of monogamy isn't the only game in town anymore. It's like finding out there are other sports apart from football. Yes, people, there's more to life than just soccer!

But it's not all rainbows and sunshine. With this newfound freedom comes a whole new set of challenges. Open relationships, while offering autonomy and personal growth, also bring along complexities and emotional challenges. It's like buying a new gadget; sure, it's shiny and awesome, but you also have to deal with figuring out how to use it and the occasional malfunction.

VI. Comparing Shiv's Open Relationship to the Societal Trend

Now, coming back to our favorite heiress, Shiv Roy. How does her open relationship align with the societal trend we've been discussing? Well, it's like comparing a specific brand of soda to the overall soda industry. There are commonalities, but there are also unique traits.

Shiv's reasons for an open relationship – control, emotional safety, rebellion – are quite reflective of the broader societal trends. Like many others in the 21st century, she seeks freedom and autonomy in her relationships. It's like wanting to drive a car instead of being a passenger – who wouldn't want control over the steering wheel?

But there's also a difference. Shiv's open relationship is deeply entwined with her family dynamics and power structures. It's not just about personal freedom; it's also a means of asserting her independence in a family that's as controlling as a helicopter parent. It's like using your choice of clothes as a statement against your fashion-challenged parents – a silent rebellion, if you will.

So, there you have it. The enigma that is Shiv's open relationship, nestled within the larger puzzle of societal trends. It's like a Russian nesting doll of complexities and implications, each layer revealing something new. And as we peel back these layers, we get a glimpse of the evolving landscape of relationships in the 21st century. Fascinating, isn't it?