North & South discussion
Wives & Daughters
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Chapters 48 - 54
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The petty gossips drive me crazy. Hooray for Lady Harriet! There's some commentary here on the double standards of behavior for men and women. WAY ahead of the time and sadly, that hasn't changed. I love the humor Gaskell slides in here with Lady Cumnor firmly putting Hyacinth in her place without really doing it on purpose. Finally Hyacinth shows some emotion and recognition of her own behavior. Despite her protests about how cheap her dress was, it's not the thing for her station in life. She's a country doctor's wife and should act like it and not try to be someone she's not.
Cynthia finally did the right thing but her timing is so bad. She's being noble in her own way but I think she's making a mountain out of a molehill. Something tells me that Roger wouldn't care, at least if he found out right away, he's so infatuated.
Poor Squire Hamley! His grief is so palpable, so heartbreaking. The writing is just so beautiful here. I love how Molly automatically jumps up to rush to the Squire's side, disobeying Hyacinth because Molly knows it's the right thing to do. I love the scene where Molly slides down next to the Squire and just sits there with him not saying anything. Actions speak louder than words.
Hyacinth's thoughts about the Hamleys and the London lawyer are best kept to herself. I don't know how Molly kept her temper around that woman who is so unfeeling. UGH!
I got to sleepy to finish the last 3 chapters last night but I wanted to note my thoughts before I forget. I had some things to say last night but didn't feel like making notes.
Last few thoughts:I KNEW The Squire would come around as soon as he was presented with his grandchild! It pretty much happened in my own family. Plus, it's Osborne's child so automatically it's all OMG Osborne OMG Osborne's baby! The squire's guilt was so sad. It sounds like things are going well. Aimee will charm him with her simplicity once she recovers from her illness.
Poor Molly! she finally cracked and now she's sick too. Poor girl can't get a break.
Mod
It's high commendation for a book if it can make you laugh and cry - even more commendation if it can make you do both at the same time!
I loved how the whole town rallied behind the doctor's sweet-tempered and kindly daughter when she was dangerously ill. The fear in Mr Gibson was palpable, bursting into bristling anger at times. I believe the relationship between father and daughter in this book is one of the sweetest I've ever read. Despite his era-induced blunders, he really loves his daughter and values her sterling character.
Trudy wrote: "I loved how the whole town rallied behind the doctor's sweet-tempered and kindly daughter when she was dangerously ill."The same people who were quick to spread gossip about her!
Chapter 48 – 51Thank goodness for Lady Harriet! I agree with you completely QNPoohBear.
One of the things I like about this book is the relationship between Mr Gibson and Molly. He hears about the rumours being circulated about her and he actually asks her to explain herself… in so many books and now tv programs, they just act on things without talking. He might not be happy but he listens and believes her, even though he suspects Cynthia.
It’s a shame he doesn’t behave towards Cynthia in the same way, she wanted him to think well of her and his reaction shut her down. Though she finally confides in him it pushes her into rash behaviour… not that I don’t think they’re all better off with her engagement to Roger at an end.
It is a shame the way Mr. Gibson treats Cynthia. He assumes she's like her mother without giving her much chance to show she feels things deeply and is afraid of losing his good opinion. I think Cynthia admires Gibson as the father figure she needs but she's in awe of him and his high standards and that makes her afraid to talk to him.
Chapter 52 – 54Some very sad chapters, it’s no wonder Molly finally succumbed to an illness.
It’s to Cynthia’s credit that she came home as soon as she heard how sick she has been, and she recommended herself to Mr Gibson by doing so as well.
Mrs Gibson is as tedious as ever.
Louise Sparrow wrote: "Chapter 52 – 54Some very sad chapters, it’s no wonder Molly finally succumbed to an illness.
It’s to Cynthia’s credit that she came home as soon as she heard how sick she has been, and she recom..."
Despite Cynthia's defects, she really does love Molly in her way.
Cynthia thrives on adoration, and so she can't endure confessing anything to Roger.
Her enthusiasm for this 'engagement' has been lackluster from the very start.
Gaskell writes scenes of grief with forceful reality. You can feel the raw despair of the mourner in all its intensity. Such a sad, sad scene for Molly to witness.