I come from a family that borrows incessantly from my grandparents. Fred is highly manipulative and highly charming: this is the recipe of my entire family, truly, myself (somewhat proudly) included. Fred reminds me very much of my own Uncle Bobby who once promised my Papa once that he would quite smoking cigarettes if my Papa gave him 100 dollars. The deed was done. Still, though, my uncle kept smoking and my Papa never had any idea until one day at a family cookout my uncle smelled of smoke, and so did the front porch. All hell broke lose. Moral of the story, and the most fascinating part, is that my uncle still had not paid my Papa back. He is also not expected to, just an occasional chide about it here and there.
Of course, this story is on a familial level, not so societal or friendly like Fred's. The similarity, though, is eerie. Why has Elliot created this familial atmosphere where financial debt is pardoned with a scold and a case of typhoid fever? It's all very personal, their relationships. I think the contrast says something about social class within this novel. I am failing to see how women are involved in this, though, so if anyone could offer up any ideas, I would appreciate it.
I definitely enjoyed reading your story about your Uncle Bobby..I have a similar story but with my Aunt Bobbie! (Funny how they are both name Bobbie/Bobby!) I would agree with you when you say that this book is on a personal level. To answer your question on how women are involved in this...I can't. I'm also confused, and wonder how this will all come together.
ReplyDeleteI also have a similar story, however it was my mother and her now-husband. He promised to quit smoking as a wedding present to her. They were married in 2003, and Rick still smokes 2 packs a day. It's frustrating to watch how no one speaks up, except me :) But, I'm not married to him, so I get to say whatever I want.
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