W&D: Week 3 - Chapers XIV - XX

[Leni]

I'm lagging behind, but devoting more time to this now, so I've caught up this far at least. I had read that W&D wasn't a social novel along the lines of N&S, but I also read that it was "devastating rejection of the Victorian male Assumption of moral authority". And that makes me think that there is more social critique to come than the hints we have seen so far! It also makes me worry what bad decision Mr Gibson will make on Molly's behalf next!

Osborne being married, I didn't see that coming! Clearly it's a wife that doesn't fit with the Hamley expectations (but then, very few women would!)

Hyacinth Clare/Kirkpatrick/Gibson is living up to the role of wicked, or at least self-centered, stepmother. She also puts her own daughter before her husband's daughter when it comes to finding a husband for them. But Cynthia is a pleasant surprise so far. She's not the typical fairy tale stepsister. Molly could learn a thing or two from her about how to handle their "mamma"! I see some comments about her and Roger, but surely you are all getting beyond chapter 20 then...

I better hurry up and catch up!

[Robin]

Yes, I now see the Cranford likeness. I think I'm a more North and South person, but shall stay with this one and enjoy what it is offering without thinking about the novel as more than gentle criticism of prevailing attitudes. That in itself is something, after all. No writer in that period can be blamed for seeing marriage as the important focus of a woman's lie as few were economically independent, marriage begin the only alternative to being a spinster in the home of a male relative or governess (if middle class). Working class women always worked, in ill paid jobs and a the whim of employers (as the servant found in W&D, of course).

I read that Elizabeth Gaskell was left motherless and her father could not find a solution to the dilemma of caring for her - sending her to relatives. On his re-marriage Elizabeth remained apart for her father, whom it is said she dearly loved. Possibly a background to Molly's situation?

[Gabrielle]

Leni wrote: "I'm lagging behind, but devoting more time to this now, so I've caught up this far at least. I had read that W&D wasn't a social novel along the lines of N&S, but I also read that it was "devastati..."

I also thought that Cynthia was there just for Molly to grow up a little. You're right when you say "Molly could learn a thing or two from her". Molly could learn to be less naïve, which doesn't mean to leave her role of good girl.

[Hilary]

I'm not quite caught up to this point but health, or lack of it, has held me back. I hope to forge on as I really think that it's a lovely story. She has quite a way with words has dear Mrs Gaskell!

[JJ]

Hilary wrote: "I'm not quite caught up to this point but health, or lack of it, has held me back. I hope to forge on as I really think that it's a lovely story. She has quite a way with words has dear Mrs Gaskell!"

Hope you get well soon! Hopefully it's not the flu! The flu is going around my area, schools are closed on Monday because of sickness.

[Joanne]

Get well soon Hilary!

[Lady Clementina, Moderator]

Joanne wrote: "Get well soon Hilary!"

Get well soon- I've also ended up with the flu. So in teh same boat.

[Hilary]

Thank you so much Joanne, J and Lady C for your well wishes. I do hope that you will very soon be back to full health and strength.
Unfortunately I'm afflicted with an unstable spine, stenosis etc. etc., so there is lots of nerve pain involvement. There is a double surgical option but it would involve a long wait not to mention the risks.

I hope to be able to get back to my usual life-saving reading. It has helped me to forged ahead through many tricky

[Hilary]

* to forge through many tricky situations! Do take care, everyone. 😍

[Lady Clementina, Moderator]

Hilary wrote: "Thank you so much Joanne, J and Lady C for your well wishes. I do hope that you will very soon be back to full health and strength.
Unfortunately I'm afflicted with an unstable spine, stenosis etc...."

Sorry to hear that - hope the pain is better with some medication. Apologies for thinking myself in the same boat- I just assumed since the flu was going around that was what it was with you as well. Take plenty of rest and read some comforting books. Am sure all will be well soon.

[Joanne]

I am also sorry Hilary. I hope you will soon be able to read.

[JJ]

I'm so sorry to hear that! I hope that you can soon go back to your usual reading routine.