Reading Response- Davis

Davis does a very good job of examining Tarzan's purpose as a character as well as Clayton's villainy. In the chapter "Evil Villains," Davis explicitly states her goal and purpose: "This chapter, therefore, seeks to examine those male human characters in Disney's animated feature films whose job it is to goad the other characters to bravery, as well as being the characters who, in most cases, must make the ultimate sacrifice in order for the story to be satisfying for the audience." She goes on to describe six basic types of male villains, and how some villains can fit in multiple categories. When referring to Clayton, Davis explains how he represents "colonial entitlement and destruction of the landscape." This would be her "M," or main idea, in the meal plan associated with this part of the essay. She then delivers the "E," evidence, in which she describes in depth how Clayton is first introduced so inhumanly. The author judges Clayton's character for having such a careless attitude for the jungle and being such a stereotype for violence and destructiveness. His ignorance to the importance of the jungle is appalling but also the reason why he is this type of villain. Davis then explains how "Clayton takes something of a backseat" in the second half of the film. Clayton becomes manipulative and tries to control situations in a very sly way, by convincing Tarzan to show Jane the gorillas. Davis makes a distinct comparison between Tarzan and Clayton when she gives evidence of the scene where Tarzan chooses not to kill Clayton because they are completely different types of people. She notes that in fact, Tarzan and Clayton are polar opposites. Later on in her analysis, Davis explains that Tarzan rejects the culture of the white people by staying with his family, whereas Clayton embraces this stereotypical culture. This makes me wonder what Disney was trying to suggest about these people in general.
Clayton's fate also says a lot about himself as a villain. Davis describes the scene: "Clayton becomes caught up in the vines high up in the trees, and though Tarzan tries to save him,  Clayton is so intent on killing Tarzan that he falls and is hanged." Because Clayton's only goal was to harm, he is unable to see that he is in danger himself. This brings us back to the idiot villain that she describes at the beginning of this chapter. However, I do not think that Clayton is a total idiot, as he does do a good job of manipulating Tarzan and Jane. As Davis puts it: "Clayton is polished, poised, and able to charm those around him, and does this in order to conceal his true nature and intentions." Clearly, this works, as it takes Tarzan too long to figure out Clayton's plan and act against it.
In her other chapter, one point that really stood out to me was a comparison with Pocahontas. At the end of both movies, the significant other is forced to choose between staying in a new environment or returning home. In Pocahontas, the man decides he needs to go home, whereas in Tarzan, the woman chooses to leave her home to be with the love of her life. Are men not expected to make these sacrifices?