Cranford - Chapter II

[Silver]

For discussing Chapter 2 if you have not completed this chapter be aware spoilers may be posted here. You may post anything that happens up to this point, but please try not to discuss anything that happens after this chapter

If you really want to refer to something later in the book pleases use the (view spoiler)[ code. (hide spoiler)]

[Deborah, Moderator]

I got the giggles over the chasing the sun with the newspapers to protect the new carpet. It made me think of how many times we are given something beautiful or own something beautiful which is placed in a cupboard instead of being enjoyed.

Miss Brown (Captain's daughter) appears to be seriously ill with a long-time illness that makes her moody and difficult. Her sister, Miss Jessie, is of cheerful disposition and grateful for the small kindnesses that the ladies of Cranford show to the Brown family. Abruptly, Captain Brown dies due to an accident with the railroad; and Miss Brown dies shortly after.

I know from some background information that Gaskell regretted killing off Captain Brown so early. It's interesting to see how she used the railroad to accomplish this. After all, the railroad was not something the ladies of Cranford welcomed into their world. It seems that the new changes in the world had already brought disaster to them. Definitely an interesting commentary.

Also interesting to me is Miss Matty's subservience to her sister, Deborah. Matty chooses to follow Deborah's advice or direction even when her own opinions differ. Deborah appears as an informal leader of the Cranford society and can almost be construed as an early feminist in her thinking, i.e. "...feels women are superior to men". The relationships and hierarchy of the town is very interesting.

[Frances, Moderator]

Deborah wrote: "I got the giggles over the chasing the sun with the newspapers to protect the new carpet. It made me think of how many times we are given something beautiful or own something beautiful which is pl..."

We often seem to read of leaders in various societies to whom everyone seems to defer for no obvious reason-I suspect when someone is very definite about their opinions and voices them strongly and clearly others will often assume they know what they are talking about.

I also enjoyed the scene with the carpet, and it speaks to the depth of Miss Jenkyns true grief on the death of Capt. Brown that she didn't notice the Carter's boots dripping mud in the later scene.

[Jo]

Is Deborah Jenkyns referred to as 'Miss Jenkyns' (as compared to Miss Matty) because she is the first-born - or older than her sister?
I've been wondering about Jane being called 'Miss Bennet' while reading Pride & Prejudice. Elizabeth never seems to be addressed as Miss Bennet.
This might be a naive question ... but I'd be grateful for any kind of elucidation :)

[Lily]

Jo wrote: "Is Deborah Jenkyns referred to as 'Miss Jenkyns' (as compared to Miss Matty) because she is the first-born - or older than her sister?
I've been wondering about Jane being called 'Miss Bennet' whil..."

Jo -- you've got it (Madge may say more?) -- there is wonderful detailing of these nuances in the series of Jane Austen novels annotated by David M. Shapard. If you read a lot of this sort of literature, you might enjoy at least one of his efforts. I have read only Pride and Prejudice, but have one or two more that I picked up on the Borders closeout and haven't gotten to read yet. They may get repetitive, but one was certainly useful.

The Annotated Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, annotated by David M. Shapard

[Jo]

Thanks a lot, Lily! I might indeed have a look at Shapards annotations, provided that I happen to find the edition in a library. I have to admit, though, that I'm not a big Jane Austen fan (even though I enjoyed reading Pride and Prejudice). Too soppy, if that's the right word.
Yet, I'm sure Shapard's texts are worth reading, since I know little about British society in the late 18th and early 19th century.

[Lily]

Jo wrote: "..Too soppy, if that's the right word...."

[Laughing.] Jo, I used to be of that view, too. Not so much any more. They really are more than "girl gets her man."

[Denise]

Yes, the first daughter was referred to as 'Miss [surname]', while the other daughters were referred to as 'Miss [first name]'. Order of precedence was so important, like the order in which they would go in to dinner.

[Jo]

Lily, that's something I have yet to find out! But who knows, maybe I'll get to like her (books / writing style), after all.

Denise, thanks a lot for replying - that's exactly what I supposed! The same is true for Miss Jessie Brown and the other Miss (what's-her-name) Brown, who play an important role in chapter two, I think.

[Karel]

I was truly shocked and disgusted with Cpt Brown dying! Seriously, Why introduce us such a genuine and adorable character and then to kill him in chapter TWO?! I really liked him :´(

[Silver]

And then, I understand that is the 1800 but I had the impression from other novels of the time (Austen and the Bronte sisters) that the parents and relatives could have a lot to say to a girls boyfriend, but that the final decision lied always on the woman. Maybe I got the wrong impression...."

It is true that a woman could not be physically forced to marry against her will, but it could be difficult for her to go against the choice of her family. The family could disown her (thus denying her any inheritance) and she could be shunned by society, or loose her present social class which was something that had a lot of importance at that time. Also it was a culture where girls/women were raised not to be disobedient and to honor their fathers and do as they were told by parents, and male members of their family. So they felt it was their duty to go along with what their relatives wanted. Theoretically a girl could refuse, but they were not raised in a society where they would really be supported, encouraged, or raised to do so.

Often times stories about women who married against the wishes of their family have very tragic ends and end up living a life of poverty and grief.

[Casceil]

Karel, it's been a while since I read this chapter, but at the time I remember thinking that Mr. Brown was the rare and practically lone adult male character in Cranford. At the time, that seemed to have something to do with him dying--like they were losing the last man they could count on.

[Karel]

Silver wrote: "It is true that a woman could not be physically forced to marry against her will, but it could be difficult for her to go against the choice of her family."

I guess you are right Silver, it would be very difficult for anyone (men or woman) to rebel if everyone is telling you to shup up and obbey.

[Deborah, Moderator]

Karel wrote: "I was truly shocked and disgusted with Cpt Brown dying! Seriously, Why introduce us such a genuine and adorable character and then to kill him in chapter TWO?! I really liked him :´("

Gaskell was writing the book in a series. After she started working on it, she regretted having "killed off" Captain Brown.

[Karel]

Deborah wrote: "Gaskell was writing the book in a series. ..."

Really? I wouldnt guess that as Ms Jennings made such a criticism to books deliver in chapters. But then the author she was defending also delivered his book on chapters haha.