Tracey’s Comments (group member since Jul 17, 2016)

Tracey’s comments from the Sir Walter Scott Appreciation group.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hea...

We will be reading this book over 2 months: May and June. This is the fourth book by Scott in this year's challenge. There are 52 chapters and the schedule with be 6 chapters/week starting May 1st.

I have enjoyed reading poems by Scott. His love of his native land and of chivalry and honour is clear from his poems. He is a pleasure to read and is a poet I will return to. The poems I read were all on-line and many of his works are accessible. I hope to purchase a volume of his poetry to add to my library.

1800-09:Corinne, or Italy (1807) French author READ
1810-19: Mansfield Park (1818) English author READ
1820-29: The Gypsies & Other Narrative Poems (1824) Russian author READ
1830-39: The Pickwick Papers 1837 English author READ
1840-49: The Three Musketeers French author READ
1850-59: Ruth English author READ
1860-69: The Last Chronicle of Barset 1867 English author READ
1870-79: Around the World in Eighty Days 1872 French author. READ
1880-89: The Woodlanders 1887 English author READ
1890-99: The Turn of the Screw American author READ

Just a tentative list of books starting July 2017. It will be changed as needed depending on group choices.

Rosemarie wrote: "That is a good comparison. Both of them are mature than the Romantic poets like Keats, and show a wider range of experience, but Keats is the better poet.
You can also see that Scott really is a po..."


The name rings a bell but I will surely look into it. I agree with your comparison. Good and solid poet but not quite the genius of some such as Keats.

Rosemarie wrote: "It has been a while since I read the poems, but one of the major themes in his poetry seems to be that of parting, whether your family, your lover, or your home.
Being Scotland, the importance of f..."

Rosemarie, how would you rate Scott as a poet using other poets you have read as a measuring stick? He seems to me to be a Scottish Tennyson. Good solid heartfelt poetry and historical pieces. How say you?

Rosemarie wrote: "It has been a while since I read the poems, but one of the major themes in his poetry seems to be that of parting, whether your family, your lover, or your home.
Being Scotland, the importance of f..."

It is very easy to see that Scott loved his native country and was passionate about. Loss does seem to be a big issue in his poetry along with an almost homesickness.

Rosemarie wrote: "He certainly was opinionated regarding women. I wonder if he represented the author's point of view. Or maybe the author was gently poking fun at such a sexist attitude?"

Maybe. It was almost comical at times. If I find any article on it I will update the thread.

Rosemarie wrote: "I agree with you that the description of the scenery and the setting makes this book special. You can see that the author loves his home areas. I found Lorna the weakest character in the book, not ..."

One thing that irritated me and I know you noted this too, was John Ridd's views and comments about women. I was left thinking that the author did not see men and women equally.

Rosemarie wrote: "Here are the four that I think represent some of the different themes covered by his poetry:

1. Where shall the lover rest, 2) Coronach (he is gone on the mountain), 3)Jock o' Hazeldean, and 4)Th..."

What are the different themes covered?

This book took me a lot longer than expected but I am glad I finally got round to reading this novel.
The story itself was interesting, set during the time of the so called Monmouth Rebellion where yet again the heir to the English throne was in question. King Charles II did not have any legitamite children and his brother James was the next in line. James was a ]n admitted Catholic and many at the time did not want the return to civil unrest caused by the Catholic v Protestant issue. The oldest ilagimatame son Charles had given the title of Duke of Monmouth and it was a campaign to allow him to become the next king.
The story is also set in a dramatic area of England, Exmoor, and it is in the author's descriptive passages about the scenery and seasons of a farmer's life that makes this book more than just average.
The title is a little bit of a misnomer, as Lorna is not that strong a character in the book, but the title John Ridd, the actual main character, is not as romantic.

Rosemarie wrote: "I have read a total of 33 poems, some more than once.

The Romantic Poets were fascinated by the Middle Ages and one really sees this in Scott's poetry."

Rosemarie, could you pick your 4 favourite poems and maybe we could discuss these.

I noted the comments made by John Ridd about women. In what I have just read he refers to women being liars and then talks about practising his courting skills on Sally Snowe so he will be able to do it with Lorna; not a thought about how using poor Sally in this way was unkind.

I loved the chapter Feeding the pigs. The way the author described the pigs was enchanting.

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Rosemarie wrote: "Tracey, I really hope you feel better soon. I finished the book last week. The ending explains her history. My favourite character is the narrator, John, even though some of the comments he makes a..."

And yes I am feeling a little better but still very drained. Thank you.

Rosemarie wrote: "Tracey, I really hope you feel better soon. I finished the book last week. The ending explains her history. My favourite character is the narrator, John, even though some of the comments he makes a..."

I noted the comments made by John Ridd. In what I have just read he refers to women being liars and then talks about practising his courting skills on Sally Snowe so he will be able to do it with Lorna; not a thought about how using poor Sally in this way was unkind.

Rosemarie wrote: "I have finished 65 chapters, and so far Lorna Doone, has been the most passive and lacklustre character in the book. The other characters are all fleshed out and interesting. Is it because John is ..."

I am hoping Lorna is being kept as something of a mystery and will 'reveal' herself soon.

I am quite a but behind on all my reading and I apologise to all my groups. I have been down with a flu-like infection and have been quite ill for almost a month. I am starting to feel a little better now. Even reading has been out of the question.

I loved the harvesting day, with all the rituals and joy. Everyone having a part in bringing in the harvest and each rejoicing for the blessing of a good harvest. Beautiful.