The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion
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Queen Margot
Alexandre Dumas Collection
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Queen Margot - Ch 7-12
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In another thread, people were discussing that the language was simplistic, even in French. I'm reading in translation, but I've noticed the simplistic language and dialogue more in this section.
Seems to me Henry caught on kind of late to what was happening...
I still don't understand why Margaret was warned not to go to her rooms - was there a plan to hurt/kill her? Margaret said, "I owe my life to chance, to my mother's forgetfulness perhaps." Did Catharine really plan something against her daughter? (I feel a bit weird using just their first names here, but it's quicker.)
You might be interested to know that Coconnas and La Mole were actual historical figures. La Mole wasn't the "young man" presented in these pages - he was in his late 40s at that time. They are interesting characters.
La Mole and Coconnas are fascinating characters and I love how their lives have become so intertwined. In one moment they are friends and the next Coconnas is trying to kill La Mole as if he has some sort of long standing grudge against him. Speaking of that, the murder of the Huguenots was brutal! I remember learning about all this stuff in world history last year, but this book really puts it in perspective. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
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Yes, novels really brought history to life for me too! Dickens, Scott, and Dumas especially. I like reading the historical accounts and finding out which parts from the novels were true.
Baylee wrote: "La Mole and Coconnas are fascinating characters and I love how their lives have become so intertwined. In one moment they are friends and the next Coconnas is trying to kill La Mole as if he has so..."La Mole and Coconnas are my favorite characters. It personalized the battle between the two sides, and also points out how ridiculous the entire thing is as well.
Lori - thanks for the information. I didn't realize that La Mole was older in real life. Works much better this way!
In a weird crossover, I keep finding myself in France during this time period. I've been reading The Covenant by James Michener, which tells the history of South Africa. When suddenly, I'm in France with a Hugenot gardener, escaping with my life on St Bartholomew's Day. It turns out that many French Protestants escaped to the Netherlands, then emigrated to South Africa. Who knew?
One, the chapters all center around the slaughter of the Huguenots by the Catholics. They are set up by Charles IV, using the marriage of his sister to Henry de Navarre to lure the Huguenots to Paris. Of course, Charles is a bit crazy; this is really a plot by Catherine de Medicis.
Two, why does Charles IV do it? The obvious answer is, religion. But what really is the underlying reason? I believe that it is power. And that comes through as well when Marguerite decides to help Henry de Navarre: she says that she doesn't love Henry; she is trying to save him so that she can remain Queen of France.
Three, La Mole takes refuge in Marguerite's chamber. Why does she save him? Another theme: love. She's taken immediately by his "beauty."
Four, the slaughter. There is a lot of discussion about bloodlust. I found that the most disheartening. For all that the human race talks about modern "civilizations," we are truly uncivilized and barbaric when it comes to our beliefs (most of which are imagined and not based on fact) and the lust for/obsession with power.
Five, on a lighter note, Marguerite and the Duchess de Nevers go to her home where her Catholic, Coconnas, is recovering from the fight. Marguerite wants the Duchess to take La Mole in, but then recognizes Coconnas and the fact that Coconnas and La Mole know each other. What are Marguerite's and the Duchess' plan to "reconcile" Coconnas and La Mole?