Interesting. I know you were concentrating on Mary, but I found the change of meaning behind Stephen and Lawrence's gifts just as intriguing - it's very much about the intention of the giver (and Santa not being a chauvinist).
Swords are such phallic symbols that in a way, giving the sword to Mary is giving her the tools of a man.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-06-19 05:31 pm (UTC)Swords are such phallic symbols that in a way, giving the sword to Mary is giving her the tools of a man.