Victorians! discussion

Dorothea is back in Lowick and now independent, is able to take up works of the kind that she was interested in before her marriage. Caleb Garth approves her designs and Sir James is encouraging as well, as he always was. She has also admitted to herself that she in fact does not believe in Casaubon’s great work and thus won’t be able to follow those detailed instructions (or at least their beginnings) that he had left behind, and gets some closure on that account. Meanwhile, Will is not aware of the peculiar codicil that Casaubon left behind and comes to take his leave hoping to make himself worthy of Dorothea while her friends, Sir James and Mrs Cadwallader in particular, are not disposed to think well of him because of the conditions. They seem ready to believe that Will did do something to invite the codicil, but don’t seem to place enough blame on Casaubon who acted both unjustly and quite unthinkingly for he doesn’t seem to have considered the whole implications of his actions.

In the meantime, Caleb Garth’s increasing workload, and the coming of the railway to Middlemarch gives Fred Vincy a chance to do something useful for a change when things get out of hand between the surveyors and farmers (change or the new clashing with established life), and for Caleb to propose the scheme he long had in mind, of taking Fred on as his assistant. This is just the sort of chance Fred is looking for since now he can take on paying work (or at least start training for it) of a kind Mary won’t disapprove and so has a chance with her, while not having to go into church which neither of them wanted. Mr Vincy gives in even if he doesn’t approve, and Mrs Vincy is sure that this is a ‘scheme’ of the poor Garths to trap her son. But that aside there is a chance of happiness for Fred and Mary at least (unlike our other couples in this book), but the path for Fred isn’t going to be all that easy for he is expected to put his education to good use, but doesn’t seem to even be able to write usefully. Neither are his hopes in love playing out quite as he imagined, with him learning finally of Mr Farebrother’s feelings, and realizing that the latter is the better man. The poor vicar however is doing his best to help the two while Fred persists on seeing him as a rival.

In the Lydgate household, problems that we foresaw have started to creep up, with the unpaid bills and high expenses beginning to have consequences, and expenses being far more than Lydgate’s practice can meet. Rosamond does not seem to want to stand by and support her husband through these difficult times as he expects her to, and her disapproval of his profession seems to be coming to the surface oftener. Her dreams before the marriage were all geared to improving her social circumstances and in cultivating the acquaintance of Lydgate’s titled relations, she feels she is doing the right thing even if she is endangering the life of her unborn child in the process. One can see how the expectations of each are so different from that of the other, and neither seems even inclined to understand what the other might want, or think that it matters. This is only going to worsen ties that aren’t very strong at all.

Rosamond’s thoughtlessness however also becomes the way for Will to finally learn of the conditions of Casaubon’s codicil, and finally take the decision to part himself from Dorothea, probably never to see her again. Meanwhile we also learn precisely what the hold is that Raffles has over Mr Bulstrode, and the connection with Will Ladislaw. Bulstrode has gathered up the courage to confess his wrongs to Will but Will is in no mind to accept any money for he must keep himself blameless in every way. But the confession isn’t itself going to free Bulstrode from Raffles’ trap since he wouldn’t want it known to all. Does he have any hope of freeing himself at all?

Will finally leaves Middlemarch, and at least at the final parting Dorothea is aware of his feelings, which brings her some happiness, though with little hope.

The Lydgates look in for more troubles both in their marriage, and in Tertius’ practice, while Will and Dorothea seem to have little hope of happiness together, and Mr Bulstrode little hope of freedom. But Fred and Mary seem to be headed towards happiness finally as are the Garths as a whole. What did you think of this week’s instalment?

I know there is more to say about pros and cons with regards to Rosamond, but I think Tertius broke the news about the furniture and their financial situation very suddenly and with little prewarning. He should have shared the realities with her much sooner.

Why is it we often see the men referred to by their last name and the women always by their first name... :)

I laughed when I realised what Eliot was hinting at here:
“ a mansion near Riverston already furnished in high style by an illustrious Spa physician—furnished indeed with such large framefuls of expensive flesh-painting in the dining-room, that Mrs. Larcher was nervous until reassured by finding the subjects to be Scriptural.”

Charlotte wrote: "I know there is more to say about pros and cons with regards to Rosamond, but I think Tertius broke the news about the furniture and their financial situation very suddenly and with little prewarni..."

I agree--though I don't know if it would have changed her reaction too much.

Charlotte wrote: "Why is it we often see the men referred to by their last name and the women always by their first name... :)"

Will and Fred are the only exceptions, and Sir James.

I'm still half way and hoping to catch up soon. I'm beginning to grow on Dorothea. The careless and ignorant peculiar girl is becoming one warm and affectionate woman. The change has come through her growing womanly feeling towards Will. It seems she is in love with him though unconscious of it herself.

I'm also happy for Fred for finally choosing a vocation even though it is done mainly for the purpose of winning Mary. The knowledge of Mr. Farebrother as a rival would be a positive inducement for him to be fully committed to his trade.

I was rather shocked by the view taken by Chettams regarding a possible second marriage for Dorothea. I'm disappointed in Celia. She has become such a selfish woman to think that a life paying aunt to her kids will be a sufficient life for Dorothea. Sir James's motive is unclear, but from what escapes his lips and from his actions it is not so difficult to infer that he would not welcome it either.

Piyangie wrote: "The knowledge of Mr. Farebrother as a rival would be a positive inducement for him to be fully committed to his trade...."

That it is though one feels sorry for Mr Farebrother. Still he is to be admired for being able to counsel and encourage the younger couple despite his own feelings in the matter.

When I read Middlemarch with you, ladies, and an hourglass that counts my chapters of the week, I feel like I am Charlie Chaplin in Modern Times when he misses a bolt, but the chain keeps moving forward and Charlie has to catch up on the time lost screwing the bolts in a crazy race!
Now I'm catching up, I'm catching up! I run to the end of Book VI, I'm almost there, but I see Book VII coming fast the day after tomorrow, I'm out of breath!

Charlotte wrote: "Why is it we often see the men referred to by their last name and the women always by their first name... :)"

I have always seen this in correspondence between 19th century French writers. It would seem that the family name is on the one hand more "male", and on the other hand, the man represents the family and therefore the name, he has the inheritance and the money, while the daughter is destined to change her name when she gets married. Without a family name, the girl is nothing since the name is everything. In a way, Rosamonde, Celia, Mary, do not represent their families, but only themselves.
Fred and Will are too childish, that is, inconsistent or eccentric to represent their families by their names right now... well, I guess.

Piyangie wrote: "I'm still half way and hoping to catch up soon. I'm beginning to grow on Dorothea. The careless and ignorant peculiar girl is becoming one warm and affectionate woman. The change has come through h..."

I agree with your comments on Dorothée and Fred.

Piyangie wrote: "I I'm disappointed in Celia. She has become such a selfish woman ..."

I wouldn't be so hard on Celia. I just think she is a young mother in admiration of the eighth wonder of the world she has just created! I also think that she does not have enough imagination to believe in a more interesting or rewarding future for Dorothée than the role of an auntie.
Dorothy has already married Casaubon! How could Celia imagine that her sister has enough intelligence to create a new future for herself?

Rosamond's "castle in the air" comes crashing down finally. I felt bad for both her and Lydgate. Both suffer from their illusions.

Will finally learns the truth about Casaubon's will. Poor fellow! He is indignant and rightly so. The young man has suffered so much injustice without this insult on him. Dorothea too is rightly indignant on the slights cast toward him. It was sad to see Will leaving, but at present that was the right action. I'm happy that at least she knows that Will loves her. If only she could have conveyed her love for him, the parting would have been much sweeter.

I'm really shocked to lean the past of Mr. Bulstrode. For a man who claims to be pious, his conduct is unbelievable. Even more shocking is the fact that his conscience justified his hideous conduct as one approved by providence. That says a lot about his piety. It is all fake when one wants to justify his greed!

Piyangie

Bulstrode's behaviour reveals Will's greatness.

Interesting book 6:

Fred's character is beginning to grow, in a good way.
Dorothée and Will are heartbreaking. They are so straight and have such a high idea of their duty. Will it serve any purpose?
Mary remains true to herself by affirming her character even more.

But poor Rosemonde and Lydgate! They lack understanding.

Charlotte wrote: "I know there is more to say about pros and cons with regards to Rosamond, but I think Tertius broke the news about the furniture and their financial situation very suddenly and with little prewarni..."

Yes.
Rosemonde's reasoning in this matrimonial matter may be selfish, but it is not without logic. She knows exactly who she is and she's never hidden it from Lydgate before. All her perfect education was aimed at making her a wonderful wife. And she is. But this has a counterpart: the husband must ensure her the money that allows her to be what she is: you can't present a a great jeweller's tiara in a common plastic bag!

Piyangie wrote: "I'm really shocked to lean the past of Mr. Bulstrode. For a man who claims to be pious, his conduct is unbelievable...."

That happens with more than one character here--principles and morality are well in their place but when it comes to their personal situation, more than one is willing to bend--Lydgate in the Tyke situation earlier for instance, though his actions are nowhere in the same league as Bulstrode.

Gabrielle wrote: "Interesting book 6:

Fred's character is beginning to grow, in a good way.
Dorothée and Will are heartbreaking. They are so straight and have such a high idea of their duty. Will it serve any purpo..."

Exactly-Just like Casaubon and Dorothea, they've married what they think the other is, rather than what the other really is. Thus the problems.. Fred and Mary are in contrast under no illusions.

Lady Clementina wrote: "That it is though one feels sorry for Mr Farebrother. Still he is to be admired for being able to counsel and encourage the younger couple despite his own feelings in the matter..."

Very true. Mr. Farebrother is an admirable character in every way.

I'm really beginning to enjoy the growing relationship between Dorothea and Will. It is a complicated one, and perhaps without hopes. But the fact is that they both love each other deeply and dearly. Dorothea is quite aware of Will's love for her, although Will still does not know how exactly Dorothea feels. At least, he is aware that she cares for him. I'm hopeful that they may be able to get together despite all the obstacles.

Piyangie wrote: "I'm really beginning to enjoy the growing relationship between Dorothea and Will. It is a complicated one, and perhaps without hopes. But the fact is that they both love each other deeply and dearl..."

Me too.

Gabrielle wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "Why is it we often see the men referred to by their last name and the women always by their first name... :)"

I have always seen this in correspondence between 19th century Frenc..."

Exactly, Gabrielle, that must be it.

Gabrielle wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "I know there is more to say about pros and cons with regards to Rosamond, but I think Tertius broke the news about the furniture and their financial situation very suddenly and wi..."

Yes, and I think people still enter marriages in this way. It still happens, either in an obvious way, or in a micro-not-so-overt way.

Piyangie wrote: "I'm really beginning to enjoy the growing relationship between Dorothea and Will. It is a complicated one, and perhaps without hopes. But the fact is that they both love each other deeply and dearl..."

Me too. Dorothée and Will is the love story of this novel!

Piyangie wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "That it is though one feels sorry for Mr Farebrother. Still he is to be admired for being able to counsel and encourage the younger couple despite his own feelings in the ma..."

I like Farebrother too. But how old is he? 40? In fact, I have been wondering what his age was, but too lazy to reread the book to find out! :)
Maybe, deep inside, he knows he's too old for Mary?

Charlotte wrote: "Gabrielle wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "I know there is more to say about pros and cons with regards to Rosamond, but I think Tertius broke the news about the furniture and their financial situation ve..."

Certainly, Charlotte! We, poor stubborn humans, still commit the same mistakes as our ancestors. We change costumes, religions, mores, but each generation repeats its own experiences without taking into account previous ones.

Gabrielle wrote: "Piyangie wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "That it is though one feels sorry for Mr Farebrother. Still he is to be admired for being able to counsel and encourage the younger couple despite his own f..."

He is much older yes but he is holding back not because of that but because he knows she cares for Fred alone.

Lady Clementina wrote: "Gabrielle wrote: "Piyangie wrote: "Lady Clementina wrote: "That it is though one feels sorry for Mr Farebrother. Still he is to be admired for being able to counsel and encourage the younger couple..."

Yes, I agree, Lady C.