Edith Wharton discussion

The Library is a place that Charity spends alot of time in this book. She, at first, hates it and makes references to it as a tomb and a prison-house. It is a kind of tomb for books that are never used, not even by Charity. But she fought for her position to run the library and it draws in her lover as well. Their romance begins amoung those neglected shelves. What are your impressions of the Library? What is going on there and why?

The library is partly a metaphor for Charity's sentimental heart. A girl in her position has had her heart neglected for so many years that it's collecting dust (just like the library). It is interesting to note that her lover wants to improve the ventilation in the library; working on opening up the library is like slowly opening up Charity's heart for the romantic connection that is to follow.

Yeah, I feel like it might have also respresented her blosseming freedom. Who can love without the world opening up, possibilities. The books mean freedom, the town, the world. Books are the gateway to bigger things, as is love, people who have traveled outside of Dormer - like Harney.

Let's talk about Harney visiting there. Do you think he's immeadiately drawn to Charity, or thinks her odd, or is incensed by her lack of care of the books? Why does Harney care about books?