This happens to be one of those books that I would have never picked up on my own, and reinforces the idea that just because it's not "my kind of bookThis happens to be one of those books that I would have never picked up on my own, and reinforces the idea that just because it's not "my kind of book" doesn't mean it lacks merit. I had difficulty getting through all of the military mumbo jumbo and must admit that the geography of the war was a bit of the snooze fest…BUT once we moved past that and the H-bombs destroyed the country, Frank did an amazing job capturing human nature as the small town of Fort Repose tries to live under such dire circumstances, including not knowing what the future will bring. ...more
Wuthering Heights gives- New meaning to the cliche Mis'ry loves com'pny
[Below there will be spoilers and rambles. Read at your own risk].
THIS BOOK. Ohh
Wuthering Heights gives- New meaning to the cliche Mis'ry loves com'pny
[Below there will be spoilers and rambles. Read at your own risk].
THIS BOOK. Ohhhh, THIS BOOK. If I had the energy whilst reading it I would have chucked it clear across the room. I persevered looking for redemption and instead found nothing but an onslaught of narcissism.
This is my second time reading WH, but my first time around hardly counts. Like many others, WH was required reading in my high school English class. It was sold as a tragic love story. More than likely, I read the cliff notes because I went through a period of academia where I wasn't, well, academic. The description of "tragic love story" however is one that has attached itself snugly onto Emily Bronte's only work. Surely that association is in part why this book is utterly despicable.
Need proof? This is verbatim from the back of my copy:
"A brooding Yorkshire tale of a love that is stronger than death, it is also a fierce vision of metaphysical passion in which heaven and hell, nature and society, and dynamic and passive forces are powerfully juxtaposed. Unique, mystical, with a timeless appeal, it has become a classic of English literature."
Totally misleading. Walking into WH one expects a love story, albeit a tragic one, but a love story nonetheless. Instead we are introduced to perhaps the most self-centered and codependent couple in the history of literature.
In a nutshell: Heathcliff is an orphan and gets picked up by Catherine's older brother. He is raised amongst the Earnshaws but not treated as family. He is immediately taken with Catherine, the temperamental young sister who grows into an insufferable and selfish woman. Catherine and Healthcliff have an unnatural connection and Things Happen that ultimately put Catherine in the arms of Edgar Linton - the man across the moor even though Catherine admits to Nelly, the family servant, "I've no more business to marry Edgar Linton than I have to be in heaven; and if they wicked man in there had not brought Heathcliff so low, I shouldn't have thought of it. It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff now; so he shall never know how I love him; and that, not because he's handsome Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same; and Linton's is as different as a moonbeam from lightning, or frost from fire." (75)
Healthcliff, devastated and vengeful ends up marrying Linton's sister, Isabella. Catherine is more than a tad bit put off by this curve ball and Edgar fluffs up in manliness and there's fights between them all which causes Catherine to fall into a great depression, refusing to eat. Oh yeah, and evidently she's preggers and dies during childbirth.
Interestingly enough, I had to reread the death by childbirth because I completely missed the fact that she WAS pregnant. I did some googling to see if I was the only moron who missed that one and thankfully I wasn't. As it turns out, back in the 1800's it was sorta taboo to discuss being pregnant, therefore it would be even MORE taboo to write about it. (This had something to do with the untimely deaths of women during childbirth). So, yeah, there were clues in the text, but it could easily have been misconstrued with Catherine's depression.
Let's move it further along because Catherine is dead and now Heathcliff has a whole lifetime without her to make everyone around him miserable. Isabella escapes but not before SHE becomes pregnant. This is important because the Catherine's baby, also named Catherine and Isabella's baby, also named Linton, end up miserably married to each other later down the road thanks to Healthcliff's devious plan to make Edgar pay for taking Catherine away from him.
Now if you thought that Catherine and Healthcliff were miserable individuals, reading the lives of little Cathy and little Linton will want to run to your doctor and get a prescription of Zoloft.
If Heatlhcliff is the most vengeful character if literary history, then Linton is quite possibly the most pathetic. He is sniveling and sickly and weak. And sure dear ole' pops, Heathcliff preys on this and emotionally rips him to shreds daily but man alive, how he treats little Cathy in the end is disturbing and next to Catherine, one hated character.
This book was like playing emotional russian roulette. You didn't know which character was going to make you want to jump off a cliff next.
I haven't really read any creative license sequels, IE - books that use the characters from classics and tell a different perspective, but would love to find one where Wuthering Heights is told through the character of Hareton, Cahty's cousin and eventual second husband. He's an endearing character and ultimately is what makes Wuthering Heights a bit worthwhile. ...more
Epic life journey To right the wrong and avenge A life and love lost.
Ohemgee! I freakin' LOVED this book. Loved it so hard and Edmond Dantes will always
Epic life journey To right the wrong and avenge A life and love lost.
Ohemgee! I freakin' LOVED this book. Loved it so hard and Edmond Dantes will always hold a part of my heart. In fact, I was miserable to find out that I read the abridged version and have made it a goal to reread The Count, uncut, within the next five years. [It would be sooner but there are so many unloved books on my TBR pile].
So, The Count of Monte Cristo in a nutshell.
Edmond Dantes is a young fisherman and he's just an all around good guy. He cares about his boss's business, his mates, and has found the love of his life who he plans to marry. Life only gets better when his boss offers him a promotion. But there are miserable people in Dantes' life and they desire to take away the happiness he has secured. In an already treacherous time period of Napoleon's reign of France, Dante is set up for treason and shipped off to a miserable prison off an island.
While he is imprisoned, he meets "The Mad Priest" and they become close friends. Faria divulges the whereabouts of his treasure which Dantes ends up using upon escaping to avenge his lost life.
The remaining four-hundred odd pages of this abridged version is Dantes dedication in this journey. Through diligence, fairness, and determination, Dantes finds all four of the individuals who wronged him and meticulously causes their demise.
BRILLIANT. I love that Dantes is a faulted character with a benevolent heart. He is able to maintain his goal to avenge the death of his Life while still opening his heart to new individuals. To me that's a pretty healthy way of life.
Plus, there's so much excitement in this dang book. I seriously could not put it down. One of the areas that warms my tummy the most is the manner in which honor plays in Dantes life. Each way he deals with the criminals who framed him is determined by their role in the framing.
This novel is about rebirth. Dantes dies in that prison and is born again as the Count but with Dantes past, if that makes sense. It's about forgiveness as lives carried on while Dantes rotted in prison. It's about love and sacrifice. Seriously. Is there a theme that is not hit upon in this epic novel?
The Count of Monte Cristo will be a well-loved classic and treasured story. Dumas has once again impressed me with his story telling. ...more
The fact that this was **the first** book that I finished this year and it happens to be May when I'm writingSPOILERS TRALALALALA SPOILERS TRALALALALA
The fact that this was **the first** book that I finished this year and it happens to be May when I'm writing it proves just how ridiculous things have gotten in my own little camp of the world.(1) I jotted down lots of jumbled thoughts and emoticons and various other marks that I can barely make any understanding of now...but you know such is how things go and 'tis why I share my thoughts and don't get paid for this biblio-refuge.
Can I be honest and utterly embarrassed? I totally expected this to turn into a love story between Maggie and Philip and sure that love was expressed but Holy Victorian Ideologies Batman, there was so much more going on in here than what I initially expected.
Bottom line, I seriously doubt this is a character that I will love more than Maggie Tulliver. She is blunt and curious and high-spirited and SUCH a voracious reader. And yet as much as she emulates what would be categorized as "male" traits, she is very endearing and loving. Quite frankly, she's a modern-day woman living in the 19th century. When we first meet her she is a young (I want to say eight but I'm truly pulling that number out of the sky), and man does Elliot flesh out the child! Her and Tom (who is so irksome and Mr. Judgey that I just want to pop him in the mouth) have this obvious sibling thing going on, except because it's Victorian, Mags always gives in to him. And it's like, I get why she does that. She's been raised to think for herself sure, but adores her older brother. It's just Tom can be SUCH an asshat sometimes he totally takes for granted who she is and how ah-MAY-zing Mags can be.
Oh and there's so much here. Maggie takes a liking to Philip who is crippled but brilliant and there's soap opera drama because Philip's dad is ultimately the reason why Maggie's family is broke. And of course Tom doesn't like Philip because he is bright -as in oh so much smarter than him - and his deflated ego can't handle it.
Which is really the biggest problem I have with Tom...his EGO. I mean, yeah, he takes on head of the family when his dear ole dad goes off the deep end and he moves his way up in the hopes of purchasing the Mill back. I get all of this. But he's so awful to Maggie. And for that I can never forgive him.
Left field though? Two words - Lucy's Stephen. What the what?! I know it was suppose to be an easy buy-in. I mean, Stephen comes into Maggie's life at such an integral point that I can see how a desire and connection could be had BUT because it was foiled with the length and exploration of Maggie's intellectual courtship with Philip I didn't really seamlessly meld into the plot twist. Oh sure, I totally see how Maggie could never truly be with Philip, and I mean, hell, she couldn't (as the novel shows) could be with Stephen...and yes-yes Philip and Stephen are both obvious foils (brawn vs brains anyone?) but damn if it just didn't make me find Tom more vile.
I glanced at some criticism on Maggie's character and often her immaturity comes up. Seriously? Do I sound like this annoying fangirl when I just don't get it? Sure, sure, she behaves in some petulant ways as a child but I find her to be a lot more giving and compassionate than most. Someone argue with me. Someone point me to an instance where Maggie exhibited over the top immaturity, rather than a natural reaction that quickly got put into check.
People! There is still so much more to talk about. How about those family relationships. The Dodsons ladies made my skin writhe. If living today, I imagine their house being filled with rooms on display and furniture covered with plastic so as not to ever get the lived in sense. Quite the opposite, the Tullivers, present day, would have family barbeques on a family/employee day and drink Bud Lite.
Oh my gosh and I cannot even begin to talk about how SHOCKED I was over the ending. I must have read that chapter over and over again. AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. Oh how I wished to have the magic that Bastion did in NeverEnding Story to try to alter the decision. *shakes head* Mags, I get what you were trying to do, but don't you see how vying for Tom's love and acceptance was always the hubris of your life?
*sigh* And the finally ending? The aftermath....the scene in the graveyard? *sobs* Forgive me while I find my box of tissues....
Well done Elliot. Well done.
_____________
(1) Let's hope in all good faith I post it in May as well....more
The Dashwood women are in a precarious position. After the death of their father, Elinor,The Short of It
Sensible or not, Love is tricky.
The Long of It
The Dashwood women are in a precarious position. After the death of their father, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret are essentially forced to move from their comfortable and majestic estate to the farmland in a different area completely. And although there are multiple characters in S&S, the story primarily follows the two older siblings, Elinor & Marianne. Polar opposites, they must come to terms with their role in society and love.
The Thoughts about It
Jane Austen books have a way of welcoming the soul. And I have to admit, I’m slightly restless knowing that I only have three more novels of hers to experience “for the first time”. Sense & Sensibility stole a piece of my heart immediately. I love the contrasting roles of Elinor and Marianne. Elinor constantly tries to follow proper etiquette and attempt to make others feel at ease. Marianne, genuine and authentic, believes it is more important to live in the moment, at its fullest, with complete honesty. Both are admirable women, even when their views conflict with what they know or what they hope.
The men, compared to Emma and Pride & Prejudice, didn’t stand out as much for me. And I still stand by my decision that Mr. Knightly is the dreamiest.
But Sense & Sensibility didn’t strike me as a romance novel in the same way that Emma and P&P did. Rather, it was much more a commentary of female roles, breaking free from those roles, and growing comfortable in them. Perhaps the most tragic, the love affair between Marianne and John Willoughby was a train wreck to read. How much did I want to tell Willoughby off for being such a wuss! To leave Marianne as ill and wretched as she was because he couldn’t move past his financial placement? I mean, of course I get it. I understand that these were different times, but the “Me” of 21st century sexual politics grows nearly riotous when it comes to this cultural and historical norms, especially when the romantic in me wants love to conquer all.
Oh and also, even though Lucy was hardly someone who I would sip tea with, I couldn’t help but feel bad for her role in the Elinor, Edward, Lucy triangle UNTIL she did that awful unimaginable deed that caused me to go, “Oh no you didn’t!” Finally, do you guys remember those internet crazes…Celebrity Death Match? Or was it an MTV show? Anyways, I’d love to see Fanny and Lucy duke it out. If there were two women that deserve to be back-stabbing and bitter besties, it’s those two for sure.
Overall, Emma is still my Austen favorite….BUT Sense & Sensibility definitely took second place, leaving Pride & Prejudice resting in at third. ...more
Ummmm…this book is EPIC. And I totally mean epic in the real sense of the word and not in the slang stance my students have taken to; although, it’s eUmmmm…this book is EPIC. And I totally mean epic in the real sense of the word and not in the slang stance my students have taken to; although, it’s epic in that way also. We start out in Lonesome Dove and end up back in Lonesome Dove with a whole heck of a lot of interesting and frightful things happening in between.
When I signed up for the challenge I did a quick google of westerns and upon realizing this one had one the Pulitzer, I figured I might as well dive it and educate myself. (I am ignorant, friends. I don’t know if I’ve ever read another book that won the Pulitzer).
So, back to Lonesome Dove. Man, oh man, can I encourage you to not wait as long as I did to pick this up? I admit some of the scenes were tough for me to read, like the Indian massacre scenes. I’m okay with gore, but I s’pose this was harder because it was REAL. The characters were crazy three-dimensional and even though the writing wasn’t as lyrical as I would expect for me to get emotionally vested, I was. Yeah, I cried. I admit it. There were scenes.
This is such a great journey and I really did feel as though I travelled with this fellows. There's something to be said about the ways of the west (and omg, did I just really say that?!)
I don’t know if I’ll cave and claim that I’m partial to westerns, but I will be more open-minded in the future. PLUS, I have the mini-series ready to record on my DVR. ...more
**spoiler alert** Much like the main character’s experience, the word and description of Rebecca began haunting my reading thoughts a couple of years **spoiler alert** Much like the main character’s experience, the word and description of Rebecca began haunting my reading thoughts a couple of years ago. Many respected readers raved about this book, which eventually placed it on my TBR list. I shied away from it for some time fearing that my love for it would not reach the profound levels that it had to so many others. It is a dreadfully lonely place to be standing alone on an island ranting and raving about how miserable you were reading a loved book. I didn’t want to risk being alone on that island.
But, like other moments in my life, that delusion of hysterics was absolutely silliness.
I freakin’ LOVED Rebecca.
You wanna know why? Immediately upon opening the pages I had that feeling I often get with books that will become beloved to me: a feeling of comfort and familiarity. I’ve had that sensation while reading Pride & Prejudice, Emma, and Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre should not be surprising, since I recently found out that there were some comparisons to that classic. (I hit myself up the head once I realized the similarities).
Was anyone aggravated that we never found out our narrator’s name? I wasn’t. I have to admit, about a third through the novel I thought I might have overlooked it. (Names, as a general rule, never stick for me). After scouring the pages I realized that the narrator was identified outside of Mrs. De Winter. Interestingly, even though Mrs. De Winters never had an identity of her own, she was a believable character. I could picture her. She existed for me.
Oh, and Mr. De Winters. How I felt for the man. But when the end, the climax occurred, weren’t you shouting at him: Communicate you fool! I know I was. If there is anything to be learned from tragic romances is communication is key.
Wait and wait. Another aspect of Rebecca that I loved were the *evil* characters, those pesky little villains, like the crusty housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers. Wasn’t she a beast? But an understandable beast. Her love for Rebecca bordered obsessive creepiness, but she was fleshed out enough to truly understand why she despised the new Mrs. De Winters so much. (Oh and the cous’, yeah, he creeped me out too).
What a long-winded post this is.
Finally, I found some interesting facts about Rebecca:
· The novel inspired three other works: Mrs. De Winter, The Other Rebecca, and Rebecca’s Tale · One edition of the book was used for code in World War II by the Germans. They would use the page number, line number, and word number to send messages. How smurfy is that?! · I guess there was a soap opera in the 1970’s called Dark Shadows that was inspired by Rebecca · There was a plagerism case made against Du Maurier where she won. ...more
Woman in White appears to have it all: mental institutions, ghosts, mistaken identity, romance, mystery, criminal acts. And while reading it, one can Woman in White appears to have it all: mental institutions, ghosts, mistaken identity, romance, mystery, criminal acts. And while reading it, one can almost picture it as a Victorian soap opera. Just when you think – BAM, there’s yet another twist, another unexpected element thrown at you. And sure, just like a soap opera, some of the turns are more believable than others.
Here’s the thing, I really enjoyed Woman in White, but I did find some parts to be a wee bit tedious. Not in the: “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times” tedium. But more like, pages of exposition that I had a fit going through. And yes, to be fair, this generally only happened if I set the book aside for any length of time. Actually, that’s exactly when it would occur. I had a difficult time getting back into the novel if I set it aside. While I was reading it, I could get lost in the plot and characters.
Woman in White is an old book, but it’s an easy book to read (and I mean easy in the “not difficult” sense and less in the “Cat in the Hat” way). Like, if someone wanted to go back to the classics, but didn’t know where to start, I would recommend this book (and perhaps more Wilkie Collins; I’ll have to see).
Some of the characters stood out to me more than others. For instance, I absolutely adored Marion. She was brilliant. I enjoyed her wit and her comments about women in society. Marion is a strong intelligent woman and I immediately connected with her. I admired her devotion to her half sister, Laura, who I found to be a wallflower. Sure, I get that was her role. But I also wonder if part of why I didn’t leap out of my car and race home to finish the book is because most of the time I could care less what was going on with Laura and her insufferable marriage. I felt her pain and I understood why she made those choices, but dear god, I wasn’t fretful. Not nearly as much as I should have been. Oh, but you know who was a hoot? Laura and Marion’s brother, Frederick. He was hy-ster-i-cal! What a hypochondriac. I loved every single narrative he did, and was sad that there weren’t more. Sure, I wouldn’t want him as a relative, but could you only imagine if he was around in this day and age? We have medications, symptoms, and diseases thrown at us everywhere – billboards, magazines, even commercials. Dear Mr. Fairlie would be a hot mess.
Finally, I found some interesting facts about this book:
· In 2004, Andrew Lloyd Webber did a musical based off of Woman in White · Women I White is considered a “sensation novel”. This genre originated in Great Britain in the 1860’s & 1870’s, descending on the gothic and romantic genre but focusing itself around criminal biographies. (Great Expectations is also a sensation novel). · It is considered one of the first, if not THE first, detective novel. ...more
Why can't we have more fathers like you in the world? In fact, why can't we have more men like you. I forgot how solid you weDear Atticus Dear Atticus:
Why can't we have more fathers like you in the world? In fact, why can't we have more men like you. I forgot how solid you were and self assured, but not in that cocky way. More like that way where you never lose your temper no matter how pissed you might get because you're REASONABLE and yet still understand that sometimes the world just SUCKS. And also, why can't we just have more PEOPLE like you.
Including me.
What can I say. I admire your determination. Your ethics. And most of all, your patience. (Patience, what is that?) Whereas you make changes, no matter how slow the road might be, I find myself wanting to stomp my feet and shout, "Why do people have to be so meeeeaaannn?" (Did I mention that I am good at acting like a petulant brat? I am. Ask my mom. That's a joke. Kinda.)
But seriously, I know that it has to be rough raising to children on your own. Of course you have the rockstar help of Calpurnia, who I figure could tame any child's wild ways.
And also, you must be super proud of both Scout and Jem. Scout especially. Damn if that girl cannot read and think smarter than the little tyke that she is. Makes for quite a handful but you know that she's going to create waves in life, fighting for the underdog. Jem is a bit more quiet, isn't he? A bit more like you. He's going to grow up to be just like his daddy. If only you could see how proud he looks whenever he talks about you to Dill and Scout. Atticus, even though the case didn't fully go the way that you wanted it, you did a stand up job. I do believe that you made a difference. It might have been small in the courtroom, but it was huge in your community.
Thanks for being the inspiration to be more, fifty years later.
Upon realizing that I had never read the classic, Dracula, a good friend of mine and I decided to read it in October to get in the mood for Halloween.Upon realizing that I had never read the classic, Dracula, a good friend of mine and I decided to read it in October to get in the mood for Halloween. It's interesting to read a novel when you already have preconceived notions about the main character and/or story line. And really, who doesn't have an opinion about the Count? He is a caricature of our society - romanticized in the many adaptations of Dracula, given humor in Sesame Street's Count, and let's not forget how he has inspired the saturated vampirism of pop culture. It was incredibly difficult to leave behind my own personal notions of what it means to be a vampire.
Bram Stoker' Dracula immediately drew me in. Reading Jonathan Harker's journal whilst he travels to the Count's location was the perfect set up. I loved how, traveling through the towns, the townsfolk would bless him or shy away from his persons in fear of catching whatever was waiting in his near future. It was just eery enough to interest me and detailed enough that I forgot all about any Dracula adaptation I might have watched. The Count was still the gentleman I expected him to be. Similar to Harker, I would have only realized that something was amiss when I noticed that there was no one else in the dwelling. Of course, I'd be quite a bit more panicked as soon as I learned I was trapped. Harker maintained the perfect balance of heroics and anxiety I truly felt his doom when he realized that the Count intercepted his coded letter to his future bride, Mina. The brave Harker decides to explore the premises, after all, what does he have to lose. His encounter with the Count's femme fatales was extremely sensual and yet tastefully done. I can only imagine what it was like in the late 1800's, but as a reader in the 21st century, I feel if more books attempted to pursue sex and desire in this manner, it would come across less smutty.
When we leave Harker we are unsure if he is dead or alive. Stoker then whisks us to Mina's world where we meet many of the other characters, including Mina's best friend, Lucy.
Young Lucy is the focus for sometime as she becomes entranced by the Count but we are unsure how. There is wedding talk as Lucy gets proposed to three gentleman (not surprisingly that the men end up being additional characters an attempt to save Lucy and defeat the Count).
Eventually, Dr. Seward and Van Helsing become integral characters. Jonathan has escaped with gaps in his memory, Mina suspects that whatever is causing harm to dear Lucy is connected, and Dr. Seward notices that one of his psych patients is acting even more unusual. (This is of course, all very loose connections on my part: I want to give a general overview without revealing too much for those who still haven't read this).
There were many parts in Dracula where I closed the book thinking: Damn, this is a wee bit spooky for me, how the heck did those folks in the 1900's handle it. The novel not only used diary entries and letters to narrate but also newspaper articles. In one such article a ship essentially turns into a "ghost" ship as the Count hunts and preys on the sailors. Hands down this has to be one of the most haunting scenes in a book I've ever read. Hearing the Captain assume that his men have gone crazy until he gets a glimpse at the fog and creature shadow that has boarded his ship had me biting my bottom lip in anticipation. The imagery was vivid. I felt the sway of the water and the desperation of the Captain as he attached himself to the ship's wheel awaiting his demise.
I discussed this book with my booky friend on Halloween night while the kids were out trick or treating. It was interesting because whereas I found the beginning of the novel exciting and the ending I began to grow restless, she felt the complete opposite.
By the time the group realized who the Count was and what he was capable of, Helsing and group knew it was up to them to put an end to it. This part was captivating, but when the Count was on the water and they were "chasing" after him, so to speak, I became bored. After considering why for a bit, especially after my friend found that the book began to pick up again, I decided it had to do with the geography that was being discussed. I felt it was too detailed and not really relevant to me or my interaction with the story. I'm sure this would have been different had I been able to visualize what routes that Stoker had created, but I couldn't. I think I grew a bit frustrated right about this time. I just felt it dragged a little longer than necessary. And I admit, I was getting concerned that the ending might be a little anti-climatic. But it wasn't. If you ask me, Stoker was pretty brilliant to create such a villainous character. ...more
Yes, I admit it. I neglected to read Jane Eyre up until now. I think my reluctance stemmed from my lack of enjoyment of Wuthering Heights. (I intend tYes, I admit it. I neglected to read Jane Eyre up until now. I think my reluctance stemmed from my lack of enjoyment of Wuthering Heights. (I intend to re-read WH to see if I still feel that way).
Can I make the assumption that most have read Jane Eyre or know of Jane Eyre and I don't need to go into a detailed summary? The book's detail leaves me a wee bit intimidated to write a summary. I fear that I might ramble also. So, if I'm going to ramble, I'd much rather do it about my reaction to the literature. (Which means there are probably spoilers!)
First, I cannot help but say, even though Jane and I have very differing religious beliefs, she is definitely someone I would want to know in real life. I love the mixture of vulnerability and defensiveness.
("Human beings must love something, and in the dearth of worthier objects of affection, I contrived to find pleasure in loving and cherishing a faded graven image, shabby as a miniature scarecrow").
She openly requires/desires love and yet does not overtly compromise her self to get this love. Her relationship with the harsh Mrs. Reed is a great example of this. (Later in the text, I view Jane as someone who doesn't compromise herself as a general rule even if it raises assumptions about herself to society or those around her).
I found that Jane had quite a feminist voice for that time period which impressed me. I loved her overall powerful stance even though it never came across belligerent.
"Who blames me? Many no doubt; and I shall be called discontented. I could not help it: the restlessness was in my nature; it agitated me to some pain already. [...] It is in vain to say human beings out to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it. [...] Women are supposed to be very calm generally: but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for their faculties, and a field for their efforts as much as their brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is too narrowminded in their more privileged fellow creatures to say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings and knitting stockings, to playng on the piano and embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than custom has pronounced necessary for their sex."
I wonder if Jane would have burned bras in the 60's or if alive during the 90's become a part of the riot grrl punk movement. A part of me felt like she was somewhere between Marge Simpson, Rosanne Barr, a bit of Sound of Music added in. Too much? Perhaps...
It was interesting to me that Mr. Rochester felt that Jane and him were fated and that the gender roles switched - Mr. Rochester being the over-dramatic romantic while Jane maintained sound and logical over their relationship. It also pleased me that the love story occurred in the middle of the book and was not the end result.
Oh and the spookiness of the "ghost" in the house. I have to admit, I read a criticism somewhere and disappointed myself in finding out who the ghost was before I read it. I also spent a good portion of the novel wondering who Jane would marry since I saw in the end "yes, I married him".
I loved that Mr. Rochester and Mr. St. John were each other's foil. Whereas Mr. Rochester was not attractive, St. John was. Rochester symbolized for me a more secular side of life; St. John, obviously, the very devout godly man. Of course, I had no patience for St. John. And I'm surprised that Jane did. Oooh, I kept biting my nails wondering which one Jane married (keep in mind, at this point I only knew that she had married someone).
I do know that many of the critical essays on Jane Eyre generally deal with the religious aspect. I get this, truly. But because I did not spend any time actually looking into the arguments, my view is rather general and thus limited. Upon the ending when Jane chose to be find Mr. Rochester rather than marry St. John, I did not see it as Jane snubbing or losing her faith. Rather, I saw her faith lead her to her fate. I never felt a duality in Jane and her religion. I saw that she weaved herself rather seamlessly in both the secular and religious worlds.
My only complaint about Jane Eyre is the culminating events that allowed for Mr. Rochester and Jane to reconcile. Really? A fire? An altruistic rescue? A dilapidated and blinded Mr. Rochester? And then, a blind man who can now see? A wee bit too dramatic for me and over the top. It was the only time I truly lost my suspension of disbelief. Did anyone else feel this way? ...more
I must admit, you're pretty allright. I adore your quick wit, your ability to vocalize your opinions and know when to hold your tongue. Dearest Emma -
I must admit, you're pretty allright. I adore your quick wit, your ability to vocalize your opinions and know when to hold your tongue. (Except with Miss Bates, but I suppose we all say impolite things once and a while, huh?)
I'd like to think that if you were around in now you'd be the type of chick that I might be able to go and get my nails done and do a shot of soco with Too much to ask for perhaps? But to be honest, I reckon I might have some misgivings on being a close friend of yours. Your, er, gift of playing cupid might leave us in a bit of a predicament. Plus, and please don't take offense to this because you do carry yourself well, but can we say need for center of attention much? I bet if I met you now, you'd be that super cool girl that has the nerdy friend who tells all of her other nerdy friends, "You just don't get it. She really is a good person deep down."
Which leads me to my next thought: your devotion to your father? Emma that just shows you how pure your heart is. Really. Any time I thought, nay spoke out loud to you, about your inconsiderations, I reminded myself of poor Mr. Woodhouse. You treasure your father and because of that I cannot help but treasure you. And oh yes, you know when to challenge him. How many times was he going to whine about 'poor Miss Taylor' eh? You are good with him. Maybe not with all old people (did you ever really bat an eye toward Mrs. Bates?) but that will suffice. And really. . . how could you not have noticed Mr. Knightley sooner than you did? It takes your wannabe to crush on him before you're like, "Whoah! I'm in love with Mr. Knightley". Seriously, girl. I'd be all over that in a heartbeat if he was my contemporary.
So, about that manicure.
<3 ya!
C
______________
Dear McNoble (aka Knightley),
Hiya. Wanna get hitched or something? No. Really. You are one hot cookie. Mr. Darcy who? Muah!
C
______________
Dear Mr. Woodhouse,
If you were with us now, they'd give you medication for what you got.
Bless you,
C
PS. No, there is not a draught in this room.
______________
Dear Mrs. Elton,
You are the kinda persons that end up on Jerry Springer you know that? It's called, "I'm My Man's Second Choice and Now I'm Bitter". Get a grip, honey. You ain't all that. And Mr. Elton? You know what is insinuated nowadays about men with egos that big? No? Well, lucky for you I'm a proper blogger and don't want to get spammed with the option of order pumps or pills to increase stamina. Let your imagination do the rest.
I enjoyed reading it, and while nose in book, I was with Elizabeth and society. But when I put the book aside, I could easily let it rest for a full dI enjoyed reading it, and while nose in book, I was with Elizabeth and society. But when I put the book aside, I could easily let it rest for a full day without picking it up again. I never had the drive to spend the night staying up to find out what was going to happen to Jane, Elizabeth, or bratty Lydia. Instead, reading Pride & Prejudice was like taking a break from the day and walking through the park on a breezy spring day. I wasn't rushed, or pushed, or pulled; rather I was relaxed, meditative, warm. I understand why Austen's books are referred to as 'comfort books'.
Overall thoughts
I'm skipping the synopsis since I'm going to assume that almost everyone else in the world has read this. Instead, I'm just going to share some thoughts:
It took me a while to keep up with all of the characters. Even now, there are some people that I just kind of went with the flow and kept reading because it was tiresome trying to hunt down when they were introduced, whether they were friends, family, or random others in society.
I loved Elizabeth. She was so witty and bright. I adored the underhanded comments and the dignified insults. How I wish I had such command of the English language. Not that I would go around insulting people left and right. But still, it would come in handy. Usually I'm a fluster-er and have 'that perfect comment' hours later.
Lydia is so frustrating. I wanted to slap her. I couldn't help it. Why couldn't she have as much decorum as Elizabeth?
I felt for Mr. Bennet when Elizabeth moved away, even though Austen didn't spend countless conversations to show the father/daughter relationship, you could really tell that Mr. Bennet felt the closest to Lizzy.
Okay, I was a bit frustrated when (let's say...)Jane is speaking to Eliza and she goes "my mom" or "my aunt" when it's Eliza's mom and aunt too. Why not use "our"???
And Darcy, what's left to be said. I mean, there are fan groups based solely on this character?! He's frustrating and adoring all rolled into one. When he detours Bingley I wanted to chastise him for being so overprotective, and yet I could appreciate where he was coming from and thinking him such a good friend!
Favorite quote:
"There are few people whom I really love and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense." ~ Elizabeth Bennet
Educating Drew
>
Books:
classics
(17)
Loading...
