2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

Did you have any sympathy for Norah English’s plight? Why or why not?

I had a little sympathy for her. She and her stepmother were under the thumb of her uncle. Norah obviously had no experience with any type of work. She most likely couldn't get a job being a maid at a rich home. Lizzie might have been able to find work without her stepdaughter around, but she stood by her. It almost seemed like Norah was grateful to her uncle for finding her a protector. I guess she knew that if he didn't, she might end up on the streets.

I felt a bit different. She was really young and had no choice in the matter. She was put in this situation with no choice in the matter. I have less sympathy for the stepmother who could have controlled this differently. Lizzie was willing to use Norah to take care of her own self.

Yes, I felt sympathy for them both. They were is a precarious situation and left with very few choices. Like Robin, I appreciated Lizzie sticking by Norah especially as she was not her biological daughter. There was actually nothing stopping Lizzie from leaving Norah and remarrying.

@Jonetta - I'm not sure I see how she could have done anything differently if she wanted to protect Norah. Norah's uncle has complete authority over his niece and there was nothing Lizzie could have done other than ensure she was protected as much as possible under the circumstances.

You make a good point, Lauren.