Norman and Peter -- A relationship drowning in dramatic irony
Don't you love the irony of the situation? ^_^
Norman Osborn -- the ruthless, demanding CEO of OsCorp Industries, who secretly roams the skies as the Green Goblin -- practically adopts Peter Parker as a surrogate son, who just happpens to be the Goblin's enemy, Spider-Man.
I think he feels some sympathy for Peter, since he also lost his parents as a child. Now Parker is without a father figure... and Norman gladly steps in. Perhaps he's hoping that he'll do better with this relationship than the one he currently has with his own flesh and blood, Harry. Norman seems to treat Peter better than his own son, and he discovers a kindred spirit in Peter, since they both are interested in the same thing: science. Harry never expressed any interest in his father's work, and when Peter mentions that he read Norman's scientific journals/papers, Osborn can't help but feel flattered. This young man was genuinely interested in Norman's work, and it made Norman feel important again...especially after what was going on at OsCorp.
He even offers to help Peter get a job at OsCorp, but when the young man refuses.... Norman's reaction is not what Harry would have expected. Norman nods approvingly and has more of a reason to admire Peter. Parker wants to earn what he works for, and Norman respects that.
On the flip side is Peter, who just lost a father figure (Uncle Ben)... and sort of looks up to Norman. He's a gifted scientist in Peter's eyes, and something of a mentor to the the science student. He feels embarrassed at all the attention Norman gives him...especially in front of his best friend, but he appreciates it at the same time. Peter really couldn't talk about his love of science to Harry, but he could relate to Norman. Peter must also feel a little more important, too... he knows a prominent CEO, perhaps one of the most powerful businessmen in New York City.
Then put their costumes on... and they're at each other throats. Heh...
Actually, I want to cover this in another essay, but just to point something out.... the Goblin doesn't hate Spider-Man. He admires him. He deems him worthy as a partner. He also finds Spider-Man a curiosity. This "amazing creature," as he puts it, spends all of his time helping ungrateful people who are either frightened or jealous of him, and it bothers the Goblin. He feels it's a waste of energy, and would rather use his abilities to help himself.
You'll notice at the Thanksgiving dinner scene.... the look on Norman/the Goblin's face once he realizes that Peter is indeed his arch-nemesis. The look of horror, shock, anger... all at once. He felt betrayed. Betrayed by his own 'son.' If you think about it, Norman/The Goblin was rejected twice -- Norman's job offer and the Goblin's insane proposal to Spider-Man both were turned down by the same person.
Norman felt horrified at what the Goblin was planning for Peter, and tried to fight off his alter ego, but the Goblin cleverly threw some nice propaganda into the conversation. The words "betrayal" and "punishment" rang through Norman's ears.
The revelation for Peter wasn't any easier. Once the Goblin revealed his identity, Peter couldn't help but stare in horror. His best friend's father was this....madman?! This monster who tried to kill Mary Jane and Aunt May, who killed countless other innocents.... was in fact Norman Osborn? His mentor? It was almost too much to bear.
It appeared that the Goblin had permanently taken over as he made a plea to Peter for mercy and covertly maneuvered the glider behind Peter. But seconds after the Goblin was impaled by his own glider.... some part of Norman Osborn resurfaced for the last time.
"Don't tell Harry..." Ironically, his last words, his last thoughts....were for his son.
And now poor Peter has to live with the knowledge that Harry's father was a deranged sociopath on a glider. The pain and guilt on his face during the funeral scene is evident. He lost two friends that day. Norman and Harry (if he finds out Peter's secret, that is).
I absolutely LOVED this pair. Of course, I'm a sucker for irony...*grin* But, you have to admit, it presented plenty of opportunities for some good drama.
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