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Critique of Abusive Themes in Webtoon

May 6, 2025

Notes on "Cry or Better Yet Beg"

Overview

  • Title: Cry or Better Yet Beg
  • Genre: Drama, Romance
  • Webtoon Release: November 2023
  • Chapters: 24 before Hiatus in March 2024
  • Reception: Highly criticized for its content

Main Characters

  • Leila Luellin:

    • 12-year-old orphan girl
    • Abused and neglected by family members
    • Sent to live with Uncle Bill, who becomes attached to her
    • Lives on the estate of the Grand Duke of Berg
  • Mathias (Mias):

    • 18-year-old male love interest when first introduced
    • A Duke who hunts birds, causing conflict with Leila
    • Engaged to Claudine, a rich girl
  • Kyle:

    • Another love interest, also introduced at age 12
    • Grows to have feelings for Leila as adults

Themes and Story Elements

  • Found Family Trope: Leila finds a family with her uncle and the mansion staff.

  • Age Gap Concerns:

    • Leila is 12, Mathias is 18 when they first meet.
    • Raises questions about consent and power dynamics.
  • Conflict:

    • Leila loves birds, but Mathias hunts them, disturbing her peace.
    • Leila is depicted as a person of low power, manipulated by Mathias.

Mathias's Manipulation

  • Uses his power to control and demean Leila.
  • Engages in degrading behavior, such as destroying her belongings.
  • Acts cruelly, including forcing her to apologize for his actions.

Plot Development

  • Leila and Kyle grow up to 18, while Mathias is now 25.
  • Mathias's sadistic approach to winning Leila's affection is highlighted.
  • Kyle's feelings for Leila are dismissed by the narrative as a roadblock.

Break in Story

  • Comic went on Hiatus shortly after the introduction of darker themes.
  • Speculated reasons include author being bullied or running out of storyboard.

Comparison with Source Material

  • Yonder Novel:
    • Described as worse than the comic adaptation.
    • Labels Mathias as a straight-up villain with reprehensible actions.
  • Distance from Source Material: Significant changes made from novel to comic; unclear how it will adapt.

Disturbing Content

  • Themes of manipulation, control, and assault persist throughout the story.
  • Mathias's actions are normalized; outcomes presented as acceptable.
  • Ending shows Leila expressing love for Mathias despite his abusive behavior.

Final Thoughts

  • Comic is deemed inappropriate for its target audience, particularly young readers.
  • Criticism of Webtoon for adapting such content for a young demographic.
  • Art style contrasts sharply with the disturbing themes presented in the story.

Conclusion

  • Personal Stance: Strong dislike for the story and its portrayal of relationships.
  • Author emphasizes the negative impact of such narratives on young readers.
  • Urges for better content management on platforms aimed at younger demographics.