Discussion - Week Two - Pointed Roofs, Chapter IV - VI

[Jim]

This discussion covers Chapters IV – VI


Miriam frets over English sermons, but finds some small comfort in the German church. Miriam ponders the differences between German and English schools and extends her comparisons to the medical professions. Although feeling physically settled in Germany, Miriam feels unsettled in her role as governess and doubts her effectiveness as a teacher. After a few outings around Hanover, Miriam begins to find her groove.

We continue to follow the ebb and flow of Miriam's perceptions and resulting emotional responses. Are her subjective perceptions giving the reader a clear story? Are you seeing things Miriam isn't seeing?

To avoid spoilers, please limit your comments to Chapters IV – VI (and the earlier chapters).

[Ellen]

It is difficult to see outside of Miriam's perceptions in the way that it can be difficult to step outside our own. It is interesting the way her momentary mood shifts-a a beautiful slant of light or a gray day-alters her view of herself and the world. But I wonder if the people are ever as wonderful as she thinks or as terrible. And I wonder especially about Fraulein (the headmistress) who seems (to me) particularly untrustworthy. The ground beneath Miriam's feet seems to me more shifting than she knows.

[Simone]

The sense of time ebbing back and forth adds a lot to the characterisation of Miriam as a teenager. Her perceptions aren't clear, and she shifts from admiration to despise and vice versa very easily. It is a very girlish thing to do, I think, and the narrative captures it very vividly.
I also like the interwoven novelty events, and the feelings of belonging and strangeness that come and go in her mind.
I love the way chapter 6 ends, with her relishing the idea of being treated as a child, and not as a governess, by the pastor, and the potential for conflict this may entail with Fraulein.

[Simone]

Ellie wrote: "It is difficult to see outside of Miriam's perceptions in the way that it can be difficult to step outside our own. It is interesting the way her momentary mood shifts-a a beautiful slant of light ..."

I feel unable to trust Fraulein too. In fact, the ones besides Miriam that have really caught my attention are Gertrude and the Pastor.
Gertrude because she seems to have such a strong personality that is able to invade the very personal narrative and steal the scene. She seems like a force of nature and the most easygoing character so far.
I really liked the Pastor too, with his readings and his examination of Miriam. He seems different from the other people she described in the school, as being really worried about others.