Friday, February 24, 2012
What the heck?
Why is everyone so paranoid about poor Will? I realize that there is a class distinction between Will and many of the other characters in Middlemarch, but this is really getting ridiculous. Is it realistic to believe that Casaubon's words could carry that much meaning to so many people? Personally, I find it hard to believe that such things could occur in the real world. Everyone except Dorothea seems to treat Will poorly, and it's gotten to the point that Dorothea is afraid to speak to him or about him. Even Mrs. Cadwallader is plotting to marry Dorothea off soon so that any scandal between Dorothea and Will can be avoided (ch 54). I just don't understand why other people's lives are such a big deal to all of these characters in this small town. Find something better to do!
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Oh, how I agree with you, dear Stephanie! I wonder if Eliot is trying to highlight the same attitude. Her narration a lot of the times seems patronizing to her characters, like even she is fed up with their actions. For instance, the passage we read today between Dorothea and Will. Eliot's language was so over the top and dramatic, as well as her overall tone and humor, it seemed to mock their passion.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if Eliot is mocking Dorothea and Will (at least not that much), but I do think she wants us to be just as frustrated with peoples' meddling as Stephanie is above.
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