The Battle of Life (hosted by Petra)

[MN]

I was struck by the passage on the 'reanimation' of the dead 'in the forms in which they fell', which I found positively gruesome! Dickens seems determined to remind the reader that the village was built on what is effectively a graveyard. I also wondered to what extent Nature can be taken to have healed the area, as much seems to have been erased (at least superficially) by being built on, and, in the case of damaged trees, cut down.

[Petra]

Erich, I like the idea of a universal harmony. I will keep that in mind as we move forward. What a nice idea, at any time but especially at Christmas.

[Petra]

MN, I found that passage both a bit gruesome and somewhat comforting.

Gruesome in the sense that the dead are always there in some manner. As you say, the village is built on a graveyard and people are stepping on the bones every day.

Comforting in the sense that our loved ones are always with us, even after death. This brings a feeling of the continuation and unbroken chain from one generation to another.

[Petra]

I was struck by the passage (where the girls are dancing) that says "If there were no such thing as display in the world that we get on a great deal better than we do, and might be infinitely more agreeable company than we are."

Dickens has such faith in each individual, if the individual has the courage and/or strength to be themselves. No airs, no facades....just pure "ourselves".

This ties in, I think, with Omar's idea of living life to the fullest. It can't get fuller than living up to our potentials by being ourselves.

[Petra]

Merry Christmas, Everyone! Wishing all of you and your families a wonderful, warm, happy Season.

[Petra]

Part the First Summary 3

Dr. Jeddler exited the house, coming to see who was playing music on his property in the morning. The good Doctor, the father of the sisters, was a philosopher, not at all musically inclined. Marion is the younger daughter. Grace is the eldest.

Why was there music, he asks. It’s someone’s birthday. The philosopher doctor remarks that every day is someone’s birthday. He looked upon the world as a big practical joke, not to be taken seriously.

It is Marion’s birthday. The wandering minstrels had been sent by Alfred, her suitor, to entertain her, if Grace thought this idea grand. Grace states that Alfred is in love with Marion, but Marion is not as in love with him and her eyes filled with tears. The sisters spoke openly of love and relationships.

Marion and Grace were no more than 4 years apart in age. But, being motherless, Grace had taken on the mothering role for her younger sister and, therefore, seemed older than she was. Her heart was pure and filled with love.

The doctor watched his daughters together, listening to their talk, thinking of the folly of loves and likings. The doctor thought of Grace’s gentleness and bravery of spirit, and Marion’s beauty and he felt sorry for them both because Life was such a ridiculous business.

Dr. Jeddler was a kind and generous man, who in his philosophizing had become a pessimist, seeing the poorer side of wonderful moments.

[Petra]

Dr. Jeddler and Marion's Birthday by Charles Green, 1912

[Petra]

I Suppose It's Your Birthday by Fred Barnard, 1878

[Petra]

Travelling Musicians by Charles Green, 1912

[Petra]

I found another illustration of Marion and Grace dancing in the orchard:

Danced In The Freedom and Gaiety of Their Hearts by A.A. Dixon, 1906

[Omar]

regarding summary 3 of part 1, I can't say Marion isn't "as in love" more like she doesn't want to deal with the subject, it could go either way in my mind.
What seems sure is that Grace is more exited about the boy than Marion Herself, maybe she has romantic feelings for him.

I find it weird for the story to depict a relationship for the youngest girl without the firstborn been married (I'm thinking about Pride and Predjudice).

[Petra]

Omar, it's going to be interesting to find out about Marion's suitor and their relationship. This is an odd introduction to the couple.

[Petra]

Part The First Summary 4

Dr. Jeddler calls to his man-servant, Britain, to set the breakfast table outside, which Britain says he cannot do until the apple pickers are finished. The doctor calls for Clemency, one of the apple pickers, who states that the girls are done picking and started bustling about.

Clemency is about 30 years old, plump and cheerful. She was a clumsy lady, with two left feet, arms that moved on their own. Her four limbs moved in random and awkward movements. Clemency accepted this and took her limbs’ movements as they came. She always wore short sleeves and her elbows were always scraped. She was always neat, clean and tidy.

[Petra]

Benjamin Britain by Charles Green, 1912

[Omar]

couldn't avoid reading further and finished the entire second section, I'll wait for the group before posting anything else

[Bridget]

The description of Clemency made me laugh, in that way that only Dickens gets me to chuckle "all four limbs seemed . . .to start from perfectly wrong places when they were set in motion". Oh how I've missed reading Dickens!

I'm trying to figure out Dr. Jeddler. I'm sure as the story unfolds more of his character will be revealed. But for now, I can't quite pin down what I think of him. We are told he is "a kind and generous man by nature", which I take to mean he's a good father and friend. What does Dickens mean by telling us he's a "philosopher"? I don't think it's that he has a Doctor of Philosophy. I think rather Dickens means Dr. Jeddler is a deep thinker. Does anyone else think that?

Even though he is described as kind and generous, I also get the feeling there is something deeper going on in his character. Maybe he never got over the death of his wife. He seems to think that young people are always deceived by the excitement of first love. He also seems to think that "life [is a] very ridiculous business".. Maybe all his philosophizing has taken him in a direction away from feelings of love (though he certainly loves his daughters).

I also wanted to say that I'm enjoying all the illustrations, Petra. Thank you for that. The illustrations of Marion's birthday by Barnard and Green are interesting to compare. I like the version of Dr. Jeddler by Barnard more, I think.

[Shirley (stampartiste)]

I agree with Omar, that the sisters appear to enjoy life to the fullest. Reading this passage, right after reading of the horrible deaths of the soldiers and their possible reanimation into the world of the living, formed such a stark contrast of life versus death in my mind.

And again, what a contrast, this time in personalities, between the beautiful fleet-footed Marion and the awkward "two-left feet" Clemency.

I'm looking forward to seeing what other contrasts Dickens comes up with. Yes, Bridget, I have missed reading him, too. Even though this is a short story, his inimitable style is quickly discernible.

In response to your question, Bridget, concerning the "philosopher" Dr. Jeddler, I wonder if he is a self-made (self-named) philosopher like Walter Shandy we recently met in The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. I like how Dickens observed that obsession with the philosopher's stone has "the fatal property of turning gold to dross, and every precious thing to poor account".

We read another Dickens short story this year, The Lamplighter, where one of the main characters was obsessed with finding the philosopher's stone. In our discussion, I think we talked about Dickens' interest in alchemy and mesmerism. And so he brings it up again.

Yes, Petra, I also love all of these illustrations you are including. Fred Barnard is always a favorite of mine, but I'm really liking Charles Green's as well. Thank you!

[Petra]

Omar wrote: "couldn't avoid reading further and finished the entire second section, I'll wait for the group before posting anything else"

Thanks, Omar. Please feel free to comment within the storyline of the summaries. I appreciate the restraint of commenting on future happenings......and understand wanting to read ahead. LOL.

[Petra]

Bridget wrote: "The description of Clemency made me laugh, in that way that only Dickens gets me to chuckle "all four limbs seemed . . .to start from perfectly wrong places when they were set in motion". Oh how I'..."

Bridget, I am with you on everthing you say.
I love the description of Clemency. She's priceless!

I am also unsure of where to put Dr. Jeddler. He has a warm and loving relationship with both his daughters, suggesting a kind, warm-hearted man who loves life and family. Yet, he puts down Life, Love and the World. He is a conundrum, for sure. I have faith that Dickens will clear this puzzle up for us.

Thank you. I'm surprised at the number of illustrations for this little known story. There were hardly any illustrations for The Cricket on the Hearth, which is, I believe, more known than this story.
That said, I'm really glad for the number of wonderful illustrations available to us.

[Petra]

Shirley, I'm glad you are enjoying the illustrations. I am, too. I love comparing the different illustrator's views of a character or a scene.

I am interested in the stories of the Philosopher's Stone. It sounds like something Dickens would very much have picked up on and thought about.
I also picked up on that quote, Shirley, (the philosopher's stone has "the fatal property of turning gold to dross, and every precious thing to poor account"). It seemed a bit sad, to me, because it suggests that despite having a good, solid life with loving family, good income, solid house, the Doctor cannot see what he has. He's looking for something else....a something more nebulas and, perhaps, not as fulfilling to the Self.

[MN]

I've been puzzling over the nature of Dr Jeddler, too. His 'system of philosophy' is described as 'having been, in the beginning, part and parcel of the battle-ground on which he lived', presumably the battle-ground describe at the outset. I wondered whether anyone can cast light on what Dickens intended the reader to understand by this - how it links with Dr Jeddler's cynicism towards 'loves and likings'.

I'm also puzzled by Dickens' reference to the 'common Philosopher's stone' which 'trips up kind and generous men'.

I may just be too slow to catch Dickens' point.

[Petra]

MN, I know very little of the Philosopher's Stone. From what I know, the stone promises the holder everything s/he wants & desires but what they get is never satisfying in some way.
I think that's what Dickens may mean. The stone promises but doesn't deliver in the manner that was meant?

The Doctor and his thoughts are confusing. I'm still pondering quite a bit about him and his thoughts/ideas.

[Petra]

The definition of the Philosopher's Stone (according to Wikipedia) is:

"The philosopher's stone was the central symbol of the mystical terminology of alchemy, symbolizing perfection at its finest, divine illumination, and heavenly bliss."

From Brittanica:

"Alchemists also believed that an elixir of life could be derived from it. Inasmuch as alchemy was concerned with the perfection of the human soul, the philosopher’s stone was thought to cure illnesses, prolong life, and bring about spiritual revitalization.

The philosopher’s stone, variously described, was sometimes said to be a common substance, found everywhere but unrecognized and unappreciated. The quest for the stone encouraged alchemists from the Middle Ages to the end of the 17th century to examine in their laboratories numerous substances and their interactions. The quest thereby provided a body of knowledge that ultimately led to the sciences of chemistry, metallurgy, and pharmacology."

[Petra]

Well......the Philosopher's Stone did indeed promise a lot: prolong life and cure illnesses.

I like the definition from Britannica of the Stone being "a common substance, found everywhere but unrecognized and unappreciated".
This means that, perhaps, the Stone is right in front of us but we miss the very thing that will bring us enlightenment and divine illumination.
We don't see what we need, even when it's in full sight.

[Lee]

Petra wrote: "Welcome to our Christmas read, The Battle of Life.

This will be a slow, relaxing read for our Holiday season. Dickens has again given us an entertaining read to help us navigate the..."

Hello, PetraI'm beginning this evening, Dec 26. I will try to catch up quickly now that Christmas is past!

[Petra]

Lee, it's great to have you join in! You will be caught up very soon. We're just getting started.
Welcome!

[Erich C]

The story takes place "about a hundred years ago," which would put it in the mid-18th century.

Dr. Jeddler seems to like acting the role of a curmudgeon, but we can see the love he has for his daughters. My take is that in these passages Dickens is critical of overthinking and of trying to find the "answers." The grace of the dancing, the idyllic scene with women on ladders picking ripe apples - these are feeling, sentiment, and joyful spontaneity that is opposed to "philosophy."

Dickens describes

one of [Clemency Newcome's] most startling evolutions, which was to grasp herself sometimes by a sort of wooden handle (part of her clothing, and familiarly called a busk), and wrestle as it were with her garments, until they fell into a symmetrical arrangement.

Apparently, she is wearing a bodice with a knife-shaped carved piece of wood that is inserted into the front to help stiffen the bodice. Here is an image I located of a woman inserting a busk into her bodice:

[Lee]

Hello, MN! Re: Message 36.

You tell us that "traditionally, the last sheaf of the harvest was fashioned as a corn dolly, to preserve the spirit of the field, ensuring the Battle Sheaves weren't part of the Harvest Home suggests avoidance of preserving the spirit(s) they were associated with."

That is fascinating, and I wonder at the origins of this practice. It sounds quite old and probably pagan....Celtic, perhaps?

[Lee]

Message 72. Petra wrote: "The Doctor and his thoughts are confusing. I'm still pondering quite a bit about him and his thoughts/ideas."

Doctor Jeddler seems to me to be representative of the questions this story should be arousing in the reader. First we have the dreadful battle scene, and the images of the dead and their spirits hovering over the battlefield. Suddenly then Charles Dickens places two young and lovely dancing girls upon what is essentially a mass of unmarked graves!

And he [Doctor Jeddler} is a great philosopher, and the heart and mystery of his philosophy was, to look upon the world as a gigantic practical joke; as something too absurd to be considered seriously, by any rational man."

To me, he is the observer trying to make sense of the two images: death and lively merriment. "But it's a world of contradictions. Why . . . is the world more mad than usual this morning?"

At this point, I believe I have to agree with the Doctor.

[Petra]

Erich C wrote: "The story takes place "about a hundred years ago," which would put it in the mid-18th century.

Dr. Jeddler seems to like acting the role of a curmudgeon, but we can see the love he has for his dau..."

Erich, you make good points.

Perhaps the Doctor is just a curmudgeon who is afraid to believe he idylic scene around him of a happy family in a World with a dark side.

Interesting information on the busk.
Clemency reminds me of Tilly Slowboy from The Cricket on the Hearth. She has the same uneven, sudden movements.

[Petra]

Lee, that's an interesting point. If the Doctor is aware that his orchard is on the battlefield, it would make for a juxtaposition of realities.

[Petra]

Part the First Summary 5

Dr. Jeddler was expecting visitors, who shortly appeared. Two lawyers, Mr. Snitchey and Mr. Craggs, now arrive on the property. Mr. Snitchey wishes Marion a happy birthday and kisses her hand.

Snitchey and Dr. Jeddler philosophize over The Law. Dr. Jeddler considers it a joke. Mr. Snitchey suggests that he would change his outlook if he studied law for awhile. Mr. Craggs joins in the conversation, stating that The Law was being made too easy, as was everything in the today’s world. His thought is that if the world is a joke, it should be a difficult joke, but it’s an easy one.

A gay, handsome young man, Alfred Heathfied, Marion’s suitor, enters the orchard. He’s followed by a porter carrying parcels. He greets the men, who greet him back with well wishes, It’s his birthday as well. He then goes to the girls, greeting first Marion, then Grace.

[Petra]

Arrival at Dr. Jeddler's of the Lawyers by Charles Green, 1912

[Omar]

Hi, Dr. Jeddler for me is a walking contradiction, he seems disillusioned with life, like he has lost some of his joie de vivre, and has become a bit cynical.

He could be harbouring a grudge against life for taking his wife (someone in the group mentioned her passing happening off the page), but at the same time he has the ability to recognize life has brought him 2 wonderful daugthers.

Petra, now that you brought it to my attention, Clemency does remind me of Tilly from Cricket on the hearth, and is used to great comedic effect, I picture her as older than Tilly so there is room for Dickens to explore new aspects with her.

[Petra]

Omar, the loss of his wife could put the Doctor in a "philosophical" state of knowing that everything one loves can go away one day; that Life is transient and, therefore, Life is a "ridiculous business".
Perhaps that's why he is curmudgeony. He doesn't trust what he has.
I like that for the Doctor. It seems to fit.

Tilly was a teenager. Sixteen, if I recall correctly. Clemency is about 30 years old. She's got more life experiences than Tilly. It will be interesting getting to know Clemency.

[MN]

Petra wrote: "Well......the Philosopher's Stone did indeed promise a lot: prolong life and cure illnesses.

Thank you for all the information about the Philosopher's stone, Petra. The explanation given on the Britannia site chimes with Dicken's use - particularly his reference to the 'common' stone. The stone that Dr Jeddler has been tripped up seems to have a markedly more desultory effects though. Jeddler doesn't suffer from overlooking what is positive, but from the positives seeming to him to be without value. I'll think on ...

[MN]

Erich C wrote: "Apparently, she is wearing a bodice with a knife-shaped carved piece of wood that is inserted into the front to help stiffen the bodice. Here is an image I located of a woman inserting a busk into her bodice:"

Hello Erich,
Thank you for illustration. I was intrigued by the description of Clemency adjusting her clothing by pulling on a wooden handle, and looked up 'busk' as a result. Busks must have been terribly uncomfortable to wear! Much less forgiving than whalebone. Apparently they were often carved, and quite ornately so.

Once I understood where and how busks were worn, the description of Clemency adjusting her dress became extremely funny.

[MN]

Lee G wrote: "Hello, MN! Re: Message 36.

You tell us that "traditionally, the last sheaf of the harvest was fashioned as a corn dolly, to preserve the spirit of the field, ensuring the Battle Sheaves weren't pa..."

Hello Lee,

I don't know whether the ceremonies associated with the last sheaf are specifically Celtic. They're certainly pagan. It's a European tradition, but I'm only familiar with British customs. In the SW of England, celebrating the last sheaf was called 'crying the neck' - there are a few places in Cornwall that keep the tradition alive, but it's largely died out as a result of automated harvesting.

Lammas (the Celtic harvest home) still celebrated in parts of Scotland - a Lammas fair takes place early in August near where I live, but that doesn't now seem to feature the last sheaf. Rather confusingly, Celtic Samhain (1 November) is also associated with the harvest.

[MN]

Lee G wrote: "Doctor Jeddler seems to me to be representative of the questions this story should be arousing in the reader. First we have the dreadful battle scene, and the images of the dead and their spirits hovering over the battlefield. Suddenly then Charles Dickens places two young and lovely dancing girls upon what is essentially a mass of unmarked graves!"

Yes!

I keep returning to the shift from battlefield to rustic peace, and the repeated connection between the history of the site and Dr Jeddler's 'philosophy'. Dickens' emphasis on the numbers killed during the battle suggest it was during the English Civil Wars, and if so, perhaps Dr Jeddler shares despair over reinstatement of the monarchy post Cromwell, expressed in Dickens' Child's History, which reli8nstatement effectively rendered the loss of so many lives fruitless.

[Gem]

Hi folks... I don't have anything to add to the discussion, this is my second Dickens read (the first was A Christmas Carol) and the first with this group. I appreciate all the information everyone is sharing, it has added to my understanding.

[Petra]

MN wrote: "The explanation given on the Britannia site chimes with Dicken's use - particularly his reference to the 'common' stone. The stone that Dr Jeddler has been tripped up seems to have a markedly more desultory effects though. Jeddler doesn't suffer from overlooking what is positive, but from the positives seeming to him to be without value. I'll think on ....."

The definition of the stone may not be what Dickens had in mind. However, it has given me something to think about as we get to know the Doctor better. There must be a glimmer of the stone's definition in the Doctor's attitudes.
I have faith that Dickens will let us know.

[Petra]

Gem wrote: "Hi folks... I don't have anything to add to the discussion, this is my second Dickens read (the first was A Christmas Carol) and the first with this group. I appreciate all the information everyone..."

Welcome, Gem! I'm glad you chose this read to be your first read in the group.

[Petra]

Part the First Summary 6

Breakfast is served. Grace positions herself so to give Alfred and Marion a more private corner to sit in. The doctor, Snitchey and Craggs seat themselves. Clemency waits on the table, while Britain carves the meat at another smaller table.

The doctor addresses Alfred and gets down to the business at hand. Today Alfred ceases to be Dr. Jeddler’s ward. Today is Alfred and Marion’s birthdays. Today is also the day that the battle was fought so many years ago.

The battle, where thousands perished, had a purpose know known to less than a hundred men. Less than fifty people gained or lost anything from the battle. Not half a dozen people agreed on the merits or cause of the battle. Nothing came from the battle but grief. Also, no one knows what the world has been doing since the battle.

[Petra]

The Parting Breakfast by John Leech, 1846

[Petra]

The Breakfast by Sol Eytinge Jr, 1867



This is Sol's only illustration for this novella.

[Petra]

Meat?, said Brittain by E.A. Abbey, 1876

[Petra]

Breakfast in Dr. Jeddler's Orchard by Charles Green, 1912

[Sam]

Finding time between holidays to comment and so many thoughts that will have to go unsaid, but to follow up on what others have said:

On the Philosopher's stone: The Philosopher's stone in very simple terms in popular usage turned common elements to gold. Note that Dickens points out the Doctor has stumbled over a more common stone, one that turns gold to dross. I think Dickens is perhaps implying that the doctor is an unlucky man and we will have to see if this proves serious or jestful in the future.

On the battle: I wanted to note that by opening the story with the battle, Dickens is also seeming to locate the story using a literary device that adds potential legend, timelessness, or a more general appplication to themes. This approach can be likened to "Once upon a time," or " A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away..." The difference is that Dickens' beginning grabs the reader and can be used to set up the story to follow. This approach may not be what Dickens intended, but should be considered as a possibility.

[Sam]

This note deserves its own post. I love Dickens paragraph that descibes how the name of the three men, Craggs, Snitchey, and Doctor Jeddler are likened to members of the three kindoms (Cragg=flint= mineral) (Snitchey=magpie=animal) (Jeddler=winter-pippin=vegetable) I think Dickens is pretty clear in meaning with Cragg and Snitchey. Does anyone have thoughts on the suggested meaning of Jeddler? Whichever it may be, I don't like the possibilities for Jeddler at the hands of the two lawyers.

[Lee]

I love your insight about the battle opening, Sam. You are right: it opened the story to “everyone” and “once upon a time”. Many of us have memories of wars past and battles that perhaps even family members lost their lives in. For me in America, it made me think of all my ancestors who fought in America’s “original” Revolutionary War and died on nameless battlefields…..and then of course I had family members - soldiers for both the North and the South - no graves, just lost souls given in battle.

Dickens includes all of us in his elegy for the dead.