Daily Archives: May 7, 2016

36% done with Middlemarch

B3;C32

We’re never more popular than when we’re dying and in possession of something someone hopes to get from us. Mr. Featherstone is very popular now and no wonder he’s such a crank with family resembling vultures.

Mr. Trumbull is a fun buffoon, a real “bookman” who can’t pronounce the book titles. Ha!

35% done with Middlemarch

B3;C31

Unlike Dorthea, Rosamond knows what she’s doing. She may have some naive notions about what marrying Lydgate would entail, however, she plays the social game so well that any defect in Lydgate could be smoothed over by her ability. And I really did feel for her when after (only) 10 days went by with no Lydgate she was actually upset. And it was a tender moment between them.

page 556 of 818 of Fortunata and Jacinta: Two Stories of Married Women

The children all gathered in the doorway believing “the ceremony couldnt take place without them.” This quick POV shift is one of the many genius qualities of the novel. We know these children feel this way because of Guillermina. And it’s also a perceptive observation of human nature we can all relate to. Small moment; incredibly important.

page 532 of 818 of Fortunata and Jacinta: Two Stories of Married Women

How to spot good writing: in this scene, which has been set up with a) how orderly Dona Lupe is and how that’s been upended a little from the move, and b) how she uses her time to think, we get her pondering morality by invoking a) Guillermina, and b) Feijoo. All these things are bound together and this is a master writer in full possession of the craft.

page 529 of 818 of Fortunata and Jacinta: Two Stories of Married Women

Compare Feijoo to Guillermina. He has lived for himself his entire life but at the end is in a strong position to provide handsomely for his friends and family. She too provides but by scavenging everything now, even if it’s not the highest quality to get the good works done. His is a life enjoyed, her’s is more of a constant practical struggle. I like his way, to be honest.

page 527 of 818 of Fortunata and Jacinta: Two Stories of Married Women

What’s interesting is that Feijoo is not a cynic. He’s quite happy with how the world works and just because he sees inconsistentes doesn’t mean he thinks the world is bad. He’s a very modern man. He believes in God, but not the way a devout would. He’s a humanist who understands how important tradition and appearances are. Remarkable character, really. Probably the best character in the novel.

page 525 of 818 of Fortunata and Jacinta: Two Stories of Married Women

He’s teaching her how to navigate society. All people in the upper classes do what he’s telling her and this knowledge is really all that separates us from animals. And it’s a thin veneer. The illusion of society is just that, an illusion made to keep from hurting everyone’s feelings. Figuring out how to get what you want still is the trick.