Nemesi

Before we begin, I know that the plural of “nemesis” is “nemeses.” But, first of all, “nemesi” sounds much more evil. Second, “nemeses” sounds like something you say to a toddler when you’re confiscating the permanent markers they’re using to draw on the wall: “Nemeses that, thank you!” Third, and most importantly, this is my blog and I shall spell my plural nouns however I wish, and you will like it.

But because I am a fickle woman, I am now going to refer to Dictionary.com for an exact understanding of the word “nemesis.”

An enemy is a foe who’s hostile toward the protagonist (or central character) of a story.

A nemesis is an opponent or rival whom a protagonist can’t overcome.

Dictionary.com

So a nemesis is not simply an enemy. A nemesis is an impossible enemy. An enemy who, without outside interference, is unconquerable by the hero.

Why am I talking about nemesi right now? Great question.

The main reasons I talk about anything on here are either because I’m trying to process through something or because the people in my life keep bringing it up. And in the case of nemesi, it’s the latter.

See, my friend Steve has recently developed a nemesis in the form of a Canadian Goose. This goose sits outside Steve’s apartment and honks, day and night, 24/7, come rain, sleet, or snow. At this point, the goose is more consistent than the United States Mail (no offense to Terry, who delivers our mail very punctually). Now, this might not be so bad if Steve wasn’t under a stay-at-home order. But Steve cannot leave the house, and therefore is present for said honking, day and night, 24/7, come rain, sleet, or snow. And yet, because Canadian Geese are protected, Steve has no good options. Although our text threads have included many verbal threats against the goose, Steve cannot overcome the goose. Without outside interference, the only choice is a slow slide into honk-induced madness.

Nemesis.

But as I’ve considered it, I’ve decided that there are cases in which nemesi can be conceptual, not an actual living thing.

For instance, my nemesis is boredom. Because of the speed at which my thoughts buzz through my cranium, and the constant vacuum for new information that sits somewhere inside my brain (scientists haven’t found it yet but I know it’s there,) I cannot handle being bored. Nothing to do, nothing to read, nothing to learn? Basically death for me. Stuck in a class where the professor is just restating everything I read in the textbook? I start the slow slide into repetition-induced madness, and it requires outside assistance to keep me alive. This doesn’t mean that I’m always doing worthwhile things, simply that I always have to be doing…something.

I realize this is a stretch beyond the traditional comic book idea of nemesi.

Which means that I need your input to know if I’m right. What (or who) is your nemesis? And why?