Yes, it’s that time of the week again!
The most notable thing about these chapters is how quiet they were. While in the earlier ones I underlined many paragraphs and made several notes with lots of exclamation marks, in this section I only had five. Just as Lucy breathed deeply, paused and relaxed, I had a ‘soft’ reading experience and found little to make my blood boil, for good or evil. This alignment of states of mind between character and reader is proof of great workmanship on Bronte’s part, don’t you think?
It was good to see Lucy enjoy herself, but I suspect it only happened because she found herself among people of her class and nationality. We were even treated to a mild ugly duckling/make-over scene, which is probably my favorite plot-gimmick ever (I should post a list of Top 10 Favorite Ugly Duckling Moments in Literature soon).
And talking about favorites, my favorite scene happened when Lucy saw herself and her group in the mirror without realizing it – it would look great in a movie:
Thus for the first, and perhaps only time in my life, I enjoyed the “giftie” of seeing myself as others see me. No need to dwel of the results.
Why the use of the word “giftie”? Seems off-key somehow.
I also found interesting the part about the gallery and the Cleopatra. It’s clear that Bronte wanted us to compare the attitudes of the two men in Lucy’s life towards an open display of sexuality. Dr John was all coolness, while M. Paul was his frantic self, ready to cover the modest eyes of any woman in the vicinity. Another not so veiled comparison between Catholics and Protestants – or Continentals and English?
Once again Bronte was not kind to the poor Labassecouriens, especially the women. They all seem to be bulky, “barrel-shaped” and artificial, and can never be trusted – “You never find her [Ginevra] lying, as these foreigners will often lie.” I’m glad that at least the Queen seemed to have pleased!
One last note: I would like to see some more character development around Dr. John. I like him, but I don’t see him as a romantic hero. He actually doesn’t create any strong feelings in me, especially now that he stopped orbiting around Ginevra, and I don’t want to slap him upside the head all the time.
When is Polly coming back?!
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March 4, 2011 at 12:29 am
Wallace
Good question about “giftie” I rolled right past that one without noticing, but you are right — doesn’t fit.
Isn’t it interesting, though, that an English man would be more open to sexuality than a Continental man? I always think of the English as a bit more prude than some of the other countries on the Continent. I perceived it as Dr. John not necessarily caring about the welfare of Lucy and M. Paul caring a great deal (though in an archaic fashion).
March 4, 2011 at 2:53 am
Bellezza
I was intrigued with Dr. John, too, and really wanted to know more about him. The revelations of the characters develop slowly, but wonderfully. You’ll see when Polly comes back. 😉
March 4, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Tahleen
I hope Polly comes back soon. I think she’d liven up the story quite a bit. And I loved that word, “giftie;” I think I want to use it now haha.
Here are my thoughts: http://tahleenreads.blogspot.com/2011/03/villette-readalong-week-4.html
March 4, 2011 at 11:32 pm
Susan E
Love the idea of a top 10 ugly duckling list! That would be fun to read. The notes in my book say “giftie” is a quote/reference from Robert Burns “O wad some Pow’r the giftie gie us/to see oursels as others see us”
March 5, 2011 at 12:16 am
Josh's mom
I too liked the scene at the concert. In these chapters, I enjoyed seeing Lucy in other venues, partaking in pleasurable activities. For some reason, I feel so sorry for the girl and feel that she deserves some happiness. I hope it comes her way!
March 7, 2011 at 10:19 pm
Mady
At last we see Lucy relax and have some fun! Remember that it’s not easy being in a foreign country, far away from friends and family 🙂
March 9, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Selene
I’m enjoying your posts on this one, I’m not doing a re-read of it, but feel I’m vicariously visiting it again! Love the blog!