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The Man Who Laughs
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The Man Who Laughs - Week Seven - December 12-18
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Loved this section! Can't believe they are setting up poor Ursus to have to leave and never know what happens to Gwynplaine.
I feel that although Gwynplaine may be tempted at first, his true nature will win out!
Book VMore moments paralleling the sinking the; specifically, the last few minutes describing the doctor's slow descend into the ocean comes to mind here in the beginning of this section. If you recall in Part I: Book III, Hugo writes of the doctor...
then nothing remained but his arm holding up the flask, as if he were showing it to the Infinite....One thing floated, and was carried by the waves into the darkness. It was the tarred flask, kept afloat by its osier cover.The arm of the past has made its way jutting into the present, Book V, making a similar reference to the one we have already read when he writes,
Destiny sometimes proffers us a glass of madness drink. A hand is thrust out of the mist, and suddenly hands us the mysterious cup in which is contained the latent intoxication (414).Both scenes captivating as Hugo draws from the despair created in one moment, while transforming it into a glimmer of hope in another. The mysterious contents of the letter written by the doctor has revealed itself giving Gwynplaine a new lease on life; however, I could not help but wonder what sort of hand Barkilphedro has had, or will have on this recent discovery, considering he is the jetsam officer and knowing he's read the contents of this letter before anybody else?
The mention of Hardquonone's name by the doctor struck me odd, but a whole chapter dedicated to him, I knew this character would have to be of some importance...To realize he was the one responsible for giving Gwynplaine his eternal smile did not appease any stirrings I may have had regarding Hardquanone remorseless actions. I had to remind myself this story is not one of revenge, it's about the wrenches thrown at these characters, both good and evil, and how they decide to cope and move forward...Is it fate or free will that continues to guide them?
Book VI
At the end of Chapter 2, Dea surprises everybody as she knows and senses the absence of Gwynplaine, saying, He left us. He is gone. I always knew that he had wings in spite of the elaborate rouse Ursus orchestrates in an attempt to save from the news. The chapter ends with Dea asking, when shall I follow...I cannot help but feel she may be alluding, since Hugo has been inferring from the beginning, to "some" event as Gwynplaine her life force is no longer around to revel in his love for her (465).
It is understandable Barkilphedro would cheat Ursus out of the 2000 pounds, giving him a mere 10 pounds, but when did Master Niceless become so self serving...I thought he and Ursus had a decent relationship forged on their business dealings? Yes Niceless' shrewdness does not work in his benefit in the end, biting him in the ass instead as both he and Govicum were taken to prison.
Poor Ursus. Gwynplaine will undoubtedly be swayed by going from rags to riches. He will probably want to marry the Duchess Josiana right away. I bet he will always love Dea regardless. If things don't go smoothly I'm sure Barkilphedro will help scheme it along. lol. Hopefully, Gwynplaine will eventually see through Barkilphedro and put him in his place. Personally, I wonder if Hugo will bring Dea, Ursus and Gwynplaine together again.
Hugo writes:
Gwynplaine drank in great draughts of pride, and it dulled his soul. Such is the poison of that fatal wine.
so what do we think? Will the clear pure soul of Gwynplaine be lost over his newfound wealth and power? Will he surrender his love and marry the duchess?