Wit’s Comments (group member since May 03, 2022)

Wit’s comments from the Epic Classics Reading Group group.

I would be very content with reading Vanity Fair this month, it’s been on The List for a while now and I finally get an excuse to check it off!

Eloria wrote: "Hey guys! How was you read of Little women? Are you ready to move on the the next book?"
It was really fun to go back and read it again. While it’s not my favorite book, I always enjoy reading it! My favorite character is still Laurie or Beth.

Elijah wrote: "The various moral themes expressed throughout the novel are superb. However, I'm somewhat dissatisfied with the plot. While I like Beth a lot, the author could've introduced her more. I felt I had ..."

Actually I consider that aspect of Beth character one of the best parts. Much like Laurie we don’t know that much about her, but instinctively see that she’s someone we should cherish and protect. Additionally, the lack of “depth” and character development helps cast her closer to perfection than all of the other girls. By the time she dies she’s more of a “Little Woman” than anyone else one the book, Her death helps immortalize that, almost as if “she’s too good for the world.”

TL:DR; If Alcott had given us more about her, she would have to actually gained more flaws which would have defeated the point of her being a character that everyone else looks up to and measures themselves by.

My main problem with this book is how easily it sucks me in. I didn’t read it for a week, than I binge half of it in one sitting!!! ⸮so frustrating, doesn’t Alcott know that I have a life‽ I can’t just sit here reading all day!

Anyway, my favorite character is definitely Beth

I’ve read Undine, it’s basically a Romeo and Juliet style story except Juliet is a Sea spirit and, after they are married, is exiled. In order to stop Huldbrand (Romeo) from marrying another woman, Undine ends up killing him with a kiss, eternally reuniting them forever.

As far as I know it’s not a real popular tale in modern America, but among readers in the 1800s it might have been popular.

Mary-Therese wrote: "I did it! I finished it!"

WooHoo! Congrats! How did you find it?

I got sick and was out for about a week so I don’t get much reading done then, but I should finish by Friday. I’m on part 2 chapter 61

Sydney wrote: "What chapter is that in?"
Chapter 6, I believe

Dianna wrote: "Reading the Putnam translation, Everyman edition. Chapter 9! Got a little behind yesterday, it was a busy day. Catching up today.

My favorite quote so far is from the beginning part: "In short, ou..."
Books make us all slightly madder, the question is whether that madness is a good thing or a bad thing.

Also I loved the book burning if only for the fact that they seemed to be nerding out more, than actually burning anything.
Reminds me of whenever someone asks me for a book recommendation. Instead of a single recommendation they end up getting an entire speech on the influences and influence of a bunch of works.

Mary-Therese wrote: "I love the fact that Quixote keeps correcting everyone (particularly in books two, chap.4) I find it hilarious"
⸮ Well you have to correct someone if they’re clearly wrong🙄

Snicket almost feels like an anti-Cervantes; both are harsh realists but Cervantes seems to at least have a positive view of reality while Snicket just considers it Unbearable.

Just finished chapter nine, this book reminds me a lot of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events in the fact that it feels as if the author is watching with us. This made me genuinely worried for Quixano’s safety.

Just finished chapter three, I forgot how happy Don Quixote is through most of this. Despite angrily bashing people over the head whenever he’s challenged, he genuinely seems to be content in his fantasy.

Dianna actually brings up a good question: what translations/editions are you guys using? It’s pretty minor but it would be nice info to have, for future reference.
I’m using a translation by Walter Starkie.

That would be great! That way we’re all on the same pace.

Sweet, I’ve read Don Quixote, but I need to read it more thoroughly. Might mean I can keep up with you guys.