Victorians! discussion
Archived Group Reads 2009-10
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"Far From the Madding Crowd" Part 2: Chapters IX-XX
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Rachel wrote: "Again, there is such great discussion here! My copy of the novel has the missing chapter included in the test, and I think it should be included--I don't want to spoil anything that happens later..."
My Penguin Red Classics doesn't have that 'missing chapter'. Is it online somewhere?
Christopher wrote: "MadgeUK wrote: "Rachel wrote: "...just a little silly where men are concerned....I would never have done that at any age...Isn't Bathsheba's inexperience with men the point though? Women of this ..."
SPOILER: Yes, Troy turning up to do his duty is significant Chris because 'shot gun weddings' when the girl was pregnant were quite common then and sort of put things right in the public's eyes. So this scene puts Fanny in the wrong and Troy in the right, thereby restoring his honour for the forthcoming chapters (and foreshadows what happens to Fanny).
I think quite a lot of Valentine sending is thoughtless because we do not know what effect they will have on the recipient. I must admit to once sending one to my 14 year old son, who was then without a girl friend, and to this day he thinks it was from a particular girl he fancied!
I finally started the book yesterday and I read up to chapter XX today. I had not read Hardy before and find it hard to read, sometimes reading a paragraph two times as I had no idea what it said at first. I had read all your postings and it really amazes me all the interpretations and thoughts you come up with. They will definitely enhance my reading and understanding of the remaining of the book.
Elena wrote: "I finally started the book yesterday and I read up to chapter XX today. I had not read Hardy before and find it hard to read, sometimes reading a paragraph two times as I had no idea what it said a..."Elena, I wish you great joy of your first experience reading a Thomas Hardy novel! You picked a great one to start with too. Please, please feel free to slowly go through the discussion threads in each of the sections and add your comments and observation. Several of us are sure to stop by, read them, and respond.
Also, I encourage you, as you move forward in your reading to consider some of his other novels, his short stories, and his wonderful poetry. He is a brilliant author! Cheers! Chris
Isn't Bathsheba's inexperience with men the point though? Women of this time were not li..."
I agree, Madge, I really didn't view the Valentine as mean-spirited, although I agree with Rachel that it was probably "thoughtless and reckless." I also concur that Boldwood was the one that needed the maturity to recognize it for what it was (and that inability to do so should tell us volumes about Boldwood).
I also think all of you are spot-on with respect to the 'missing chapter.' Firstly, it was probably toned down to not offend Victorian 'sensibilities.' Second, it reveals so much more of Frank Troy's character to the reader. Otherwise, I think Troy does come across as more of just a 'dashing and cavalier playboy.' This chapter begins to show that he is devoid of emotion, and acts only for himself. In some sense, it almost seems that he has done his duty to Fanny Robin by showing up, and now he is perfectly free to turn his back on her. To me, it was a devastating chapter.