cbettis

Sounds great. I'm in. This will be the first time I have read with a group. Carolyn Bettis, Shorter, AL

green182

Jun 13, 2009 2:43 PM

  |   in response to: cbettis

I have written two books
1)"Aging, a Lifelong Trek to Nirvana" this is a text on migration and aging.It contains vital information for everyone planning to retire later in life.

2) "Oba-man and the Pirates of Omali" a fictional novel about a president and the obstacles he faces as he seeks to return earth to the people.

These books are not an indictment of any government or people but a call to dialogue, because only through dialogue will we realize our differences are no existent.

rileyroo25

I am currently reading 2 books, one at home, one at work. They are "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen, and "Life Before Man" by Margaret Atwood. This is the last Jane Austen book I need to read, and one of two that I still need to read by Margaret Atwood. I would recommend these authors to everyone. Margaret Atwood is Canadian (as am I) and I think she is phenomenal (she also invented the Longpen, if you have heard of it), and should be read, especially "The Robber Bride", "Cat's Eye", "The Handmaid's Tale", and "Oryx and Crake". Other Canadian novels I would recommend are "Crow Lake" by Mary Lawson, and "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel.
Besides "Middlemarch", my next reads will be "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd, and "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte. After those I have a long list of books to read, including many I already own and have not gotten to. These include lots of Dickens and other classics, and I cannot wait to read so many of them.

kthomas365

Im in as well- Carolyn, Im new to reading with a group for pleasure as well but lets read and enjoy

jambolyn1

I'll be reading Middlemarch with you as soon as I finish Declaring Spinsterhood (on Amazon). Very funny if you've ever thought about giving up the dating scene entirely and becoming an old maid.

eph118

Has anyone seen this book? "Feelings & Faith by Dr. Brian Borgman??" It is absolutely amazing! In my estimation it is a must read.

"Emotions are a vital part of what it means to be a human being made in the image of God and redeemed in Jesus Christ. But often our emotions confuse and mislead us. So what is the proper place for emotions in a Christian¿s walk of faith?

In Feelings and Faith Brian Borgman draws from his extensive biblical knowledge and his pastoral experience to help readers understand both divine and human emotions. After laying a biblical foundation he moves on to practical application, focusing on how Christians can put to death ungodly emotional displays and also cultivate godly emotions.

This biblically informed, practical volume is helpful for pastors, counselors, and serious-minded Christians who wish to develop a full-orbed faith that encompasses their emotional life."

This book should definitely be added to the reading list... I just can't stop talking about it. it's really engaging... and ebcouraging

rabenaug

I LOVE this paragraph at the end of Chapter Six of Middlemarch:
We mortals, men and women, devour many a disappointment between breakfast and dinner-time; keep back the tears and look a little pale about the lips, and in answer to inquiries say, "Oh nothing!" Pride helps us; and is not a bad thing when it only urges us to hide our own hurts--not to hurt others.

circuits

I have currently started reading Middlemarch. It is OK but I am finding it hard to be very passionate about the book. Maybe it is the way it is written. There seems to be a lot of words and rambling on. I am going to sick it out and see if it gets more interesting after book one.
Looking forward to seeing how other people feel about this book.

pamburger1

Like Faulkner, this is a very densely written book, so I only read when I can really focus on it. (Next time, we simply must read Hatter's Castle) Nonetheless, one paragraph that struck me in particular is the author's description of Dorothea's one-sided devotion to her love interest (near the end of Chapter V):

"She was not in the least teaching Mr Casaubon to ask if he were good enough for her, but merely asking herself anxiously how she could be good enough for Mr Casaubon."

I related to that because that's how I spent the better part of my late teens to my mid-thirties -- worrying excessively about whether "I" was doing enough to be attractive to him, rather than questioning whether "HE" was worthy enough for me. It wasn't until my late 30's that I changed my perspective, and it made a profound difference in the quality of my relationship. I hope that, by the end of the story, Dorothea gets her own "aha" moment in this regard.

RABENAUG, I loved that paragraph you noted as well. I never thought of it as pride before. I have multiple sclerosis, and no matter how rotten I'm feeling, I always answer "I'm fine." I think of it as sparing the other person the burden of hearing my complaints, but I guess if I really think about it, there is a pride in feeling that I won't let MS get me down.

booklov97

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I managed to aquire a BA in English without reading Middlemarch! But I am reading it now. It is not an easy read by any means, but like a lot of things you have to work for (or at), I think it's going to be rewarding. Somehow I felt like having a Classics-Reading Summer. It'll be fun reading everyone's comments.
Kathy

booklov97

Jun 21, 2009 2:40 PM

  |   in response to: rileyroo25

Have you been following Yann Martel's book-giving to Stephen Harper? A colleague and I just met today to discuss the first book he sent to Harper. Information (including the booklist) is available at www.whatisstephenharperreading.ca

Kathy

dianesu

Dear Oprah,
I won't be reading. Some individuals lifestyle doesn't afford them the opportunity to spend time reading. Some of us are busy like actually doing something like spending quality time with their children who are home for Summer Vacation. Keeping Children's Medical, Dental Appointments and looking for Employment. Again, you cater to the rich who can sit around and read. I no longer watch your Show or blog on your Website. Both have become extremely boring and a major dissapointment!

worldstudy

Jun 23, 2009 6:50 AM

  |   in response to: dianesu

Hi, I was wondering about you. I've been away a few months myself, but I'm back. I hope you and your children have a nice summer. Good luck with everything.

jbcynthia

I didn't read Middlemarch in high school or college so I think it's about time I do so. Of course, we all have many things to do each summer per dianesu's note. I don't believe that reading a challenging book is solely for the rich. The copy I'm reading is a dog-eared one from our underfunded city library. I read for a while in the evening when the house has settled down and the atmosphere is calmer. I chose not to buy a copy when one is so readily available. When my son was young, we were very poor and I was out of work, my husband or I made time each evening to read to him and read for ourselves to set an example.
As I get older (Oprah and I are the same age) I need the challenge to keep the old brain cells active. Rereading is what has kept my 80 year old mother sharp and happy. She is almost blind but still tries to read a little each day.

litgirl09

Jun 23, 2009 11:11 AM

  |   in response to: dianesu

Hey Dianesu - Who says you have to be rich to make time to read? Do you have a few minutes before you go to sleep at night? What about while your kids are at activities? Sure, it may take a while to read a book that way, but you could still do it.

rileyroo25

Jun 23, 2009 7:31 PM

  |   in response to: booklov97

Actually I think I remember hearing about that at some point, but forgot all about it. I wonder if Stephen Harper has actually read any of the books. I notice that Yann Martel has only gotten about 4 or 5 replies out of the 55 or so books he has sent, and none actually from Harper himself. It is an interesting thing to follow, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I'm always looking for new book lists to inspire my own.

rileyroo25

I just finished my first summer book, Wuthering Heights. I had never read it, so my sister and I decided to both read it and then discuss it. I finished it quickly, because I was very absorbed in it, I loved it. However I have to say that I really hated most of the characters. I couldn't believe how violent and selfish and horrible they were. But I would definitely recommend it to everyone, and will probably re-read it one day. Now my sister and I also want to watch some of the movie versions, because our "book club" discussion will involve the book and movies.
Now I want to start on Middlemarch, just have to find some time to read where I am not too tired to concentrate, because it seems like a book that requires close attention.

dianesu

Hi everyone!
I didn't mean to sound so negative. I believe I'm just frustrated with myself because I don't have time for anything. I'am as everyone knows by now: A Navy Veteran 30% Disabled Due To Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary To Sexual Assault. My Summer will be spent getting all children's Medical, Dental, Eye Appointments met. Just doing this takes up most of my time. I also have some personal, financial matters that need my attention. I wish you guys all the happiness and success with your Reading Assignment. Maybe while I'm an Inpatient at the Veteran's Administration Facility I can squeeze some time in for reading. It may not be what you guys are reading, but I guess what's important is that I'm reading. Love and Peace

cherylt22

I have just finished reading The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, it was wonderful, I highly recommend it! Once I get through my stack of books, I will read Middlemarch. I really liked Silas Marner.

claylady83

Started reading Middlemarch...I' only up to page 50 but am loving it. I am feeling mighty anxious about Dorethea..Is she wise beyond her years or extremely naive?

drthaynes

Jun 27, 2009 7:54 PM

  |   in response to: dianesu

I hope you connect to books that will enhance your karma and cultivate a time for yourself. The bible is and will always be the "greatest book ever written" which helps us to heal, reflect, improve and succeed. As for your advesities, "This too shall pass." You are wonderful to place such emphasis on the development of your children, but books take you into the world of self improvements, societal connections that will guide you through various odeals positively-you just need to connect to a purposeful reading. I wish you many blessings...

jbcynthia

While I'm enjoying Middlemarch, I find the reading challenging. This isn't a book to pick up read a page put down and come back to later. I lose my train of thought when I do that.
Dorothea is naive as claylady83 suggested. She thinks she can envelope herself into her husband's life and be fulfilled by his intellect. Being so young and protected she can't know that she is merely a trinket and her husband plans to place her on a shelf and go about his work with being bothered by her need to learn. She will come into disappointment.
All of the characters fret over their "station" in life and the money that they don't have, have or hope to have someday. The caste lines are firmly developed in Middlemarch. Everyone knows their place and stays there knowing that moving up isn't an option.

josiej04

I also am having trouble getting into MIDDLEMARCH. the reading is challenging.
I am looking for the producer's comments but havn't found any yet. HELP

lachelle_w

Wow, I am enjoying Middlemarch much more than I'd expected!
I am especially enjoying Eliot's commentary and dry bits of wisdom. Here are my three favorite:

1) "And certainly, the mistakes that we male and female mortals make when we have our own way might fairly raise some wonder that we are so fond of it."

2) "He took a wife, as we have seen, to adorn the remaining quadrant of his course, and be a little moon that would cause hardly a calculable perturbation."

3) "The difficult task of knowing another soul is not for young gentlemen whose consciousness is chiefly made up of their own wishes."

Crawling inside the minds of these characters is an eerie way to learn about the social norms of ages past...

silvine

It just so happens that I've just read Middlemarch for the third time, and only now (I'm 66) do I really understand why Emily Dickinson said, "What do I think of Middlemarch? What do I think of glory?" It goes deep into people's souls in a way no books written before (and few after) had done, but the glory part is that you get to see these amazing moments of people's souls opening up. You also get to see them close down--there's a lot of sadness--but for me, now, it's totally worth it. I admire the courage of the people who are taking the plunge--and if it's appropriate on this blog (I just joined), I can tell you a book that might help with with this challenging read. The only advice I can give is, don't label the people, let yourself enter them, as this amazing woman (who was ostracized for years for living with a married man (he couldn't get a divorce) and ended up having tea with Queen Victoria) will help you do if you will give yourself to her.

litgirl09

Producer Jill! Are you out there? I have been looking forward to your comments on the book and you haven't left any yet! I enjoyed the book; it shows some typical social situations and concerns of the time. It is always interesting for me to see what women had to live with and through and in during different time periods of history. How sad that women then really had no choice in thinking their husbands represented how they could live and present themselves. Dorthea really got wrapped up in that when she married, thinking his intellect would be everything for her.

hmprescott

Jul 2, 2009 2:57 PM

  |   in response to: litgirl09

Hi. I, too, have been waiting for Jill's posts to see what she had to say and what others responded. However, while waiting I finished the book. I can't say it was an all time favorite but, I do enjoy a classic occasionally. I found it interesting and sad that couples had to hear from others what their spouses and loved ones were truly thinking. Examples: the Lydgates, the Bulstrodes, and even Rosamond (of all people) needing to go between Dorothea and Will. It appears that people rarely talked to each other!

rileyroo25

Jul 2, 2009 3:58 PM

  |   in response to: claylady83

I think Dorothea is trying to be wise beyone her years, but is actually extremely naive. She seems to make a point to be different from everyone else, especially in her opinions, and is trying to take on a decisive role in her own development, rather than being natural. She forms her opinions on the spot in some cases, depending on what is convenient to the situation and what will make her seem more worldly and "uncommon". She tries very hard to seem above everyone else, even while genuinely wanting to help others. She is somewhat disappointed that Casaubon's parish isn't filled with needy poor people, because she wants to be their saviour. Although Celia may be viewed as a common young girl, who loves jewellery and playing the piano and dabbling in the fine arts that are expected of young women, she seems the more natural of the two sisters, where Dorothea is too deliberate in everything.

pamburger1

Yes, Dorothea is naive, but she is mature in her approach to marriage. She isn't looking for the most dashing, wealthy, and handsome husband (which she could have easily gotten), but she is looking for someone whom she feels has substance. Her main problem is that she has fallen for a fantasy of married life rather than the reality. I think that's pretty much a universal blindspot of most young people - even today.

stappleton

I have so enjoyed reading your comments, especially your favorite quotes, which are so often mine as well. For those of you who find this a quaint look at how life was for women of the time, look again. The quotes that ring true do so because they are still applicable to our time, they provide insight into human nature rather than a particular era. If you read this as a mere "historical" novel, you will miss the most important dimension and the true genius of George Eliot. It is a difficult read, one that requires concentration and thoughtful contemplation to get the most out of it, but the reward, as Emily Dickinson noted, is to experience literary glory. Blessings to all.

66andrea

It's taken a while but I'm about 100 pages from the end of Middlemarch. I love the way the characters are all coming together. This book reminds me a lot of Jane Austen's books, which is probably why I like it so much. Looking forward to the producer's comments. I thought she was going to blog her reactions to the book?

josiej04

I saw a blurp saying that producerjil is on twitter as jada110. Signed up and found her, but still no comments on Middlemarch. Even had my daughter help me with Twitter. Where are you, producerjil?
I read "Anna Karenina" with the book club and really enjoyed the book and the questions from Oprah's book club. I thought this would be a similar experience. But all this, and twitter, and even the book, is very frustrating. Almost not worth the effort. I do enjoy these blogs, though.

kitdonner

So, if you're looking for a little light reading after Middlemarch, my very first ever book is in bookstores beginning of August called "The Notorious Bridegroom" by Kit Donner. Oh, it's filled with humor, passion, adventure, intrigue, colorful characters, and a great romance. I hope no one minds my throwing this in but I'm trying to make the bestsellers list for a first book any way I can because my marketing fund is below a dollar. Thanks for reading- Kit

pamburger1

Book 4: Three Love Problems has been my favorite portion thus far. I can feel the characters really becoming solid at this point. Aside from the plot particulars, I am most intrigued about the three women--Dorothea, Rosamond Vincy, and Mary Garth. They are each completely different in appearance, manner, and goals, but each one is irresistable to her admirer. I guess it goes to show that there is no "perfect look" when it comes to men.

While Rosamond did indeed thrive on being the "it girl" surrounded by fabulous trappings, Dorothea dressed simply and even declined to update her new marriage home. Mary was neither beautiful nor wealthy, and yet she completely captured the heart of Fred Vincy with her genuine spirit.

On another note, I too was hoping that we'd be getting more feedback from an Oprah producer. It would be nice to have some background information on Middlemarch like they offered with Faulkner. I hope that everything is okay with Jill. It seems out of character that the show would advertise the book club reading, but then not check in at all for a month. Maybe she just got really busy and hasn't been able to join in on the discussion. Perhaps there will be a big discussion at the end?

Still, I'll continue to plow through. I do enjoy the book and I appreciate reading everyone's comments and perspectives.

rabenaug

I liked this interjected line that was written after Will swooned about remembering all the conversations he'd had with Dorthea "with the unspeakable content in his soul of feeling that he was in the presence of a creature worthy to be perfectly loved. I think his own feelings at that moment were perfect, for we mortals have our divine moments, when love is satisfied in the completeness of the beloved object."

I too hope all is ok with our producerji. I was really looking forward to more reactions but I will also continue to plow onward and hopefully we will get some more comments.

pamburger1

Jul 12, 2009 7:08 PM

  |   in response to: rabenaug

Rabenaug, that was a beautiful description of divine love. I do worry that the depth of his feelings for Dorothea will be fleeting. It can't be possible for Dorothea to live up to the pedestal of perfection upon which Will has placed her. I'm curious to find out if they will eventually get together, and if so, if his romanticized vision of her will be altered by the reality of her. Is perfect love only possible in terms of moments--or can it be long-term?

silvine

Here's something else Eliot had to say about divine love in an earlier novel, Adam Bede, talking about a young man who loves a woman he feels is "greater and better than himself":
Love of this sort is hardly distinguishable from religious feeling. What deep and worthy love is so? Whether of woman or child, or art or music. Our caresses, our tender words, or still rapture under the influence of autumn sunsets, or pillared vistas, or calm majestic statues, or Beethoven symphonies, all bring with them the consciousness that they are mere waves and ripples in an unfathomable ocean of love and beauty: our emotion in its keenest moment passes from expression into silence; our love at its highest flood rushes beyond its object, and loses itself in the sense of divine mystery.
As to whether Will's love can last like that, I guess no one stays at that height for long--it's just a "divine moment," as Eliot says. But the divine moments can be part of a lifetime of love--they were for Eliot. More on that later. And by the end of the book, Dorothea strikes me as about as worthy of a lifetime of love as a human being can be--I'll be really curious to see what people have to say about the ending, especially the part where Dorothea goes to Rosamund.
Meanwhile, here's a little background folks may enjoy, background that's relevant to the way Will feels about Dorothea. George Eliot didn't start writing novels until she was 37. That's when she started a committed monogamous relationship with George Lewes. She even called herself Mrs. Lewes, though rigid laws wouldn't let them marry. And he looked up to her and realized how powerful a novelist she would be--much more powerful than he ever was--and he gave her the love and encouragement she needed, and she became recognized as the greatest novelist writing in English of her time. So great that people had to stop ostracizing her.
Queen Victoria even invited her to tea. And after Lewes died, another young man who worshiped her was able to marry her, and then even her family forgave her. And both her marriages seem to have been deeply satisfying, though she didn't live long after her second.

pamburger1

Jul 15, 2009 12:06 PM

  |   in response to: silvine

Silvine, thanks so much for the background information! It really gives more depth to the reading experience. I've nearly made it to Book 8, and I can't wait to find out what happens.

rabenaug

Jul 16, 2009 5:55 AM

  |   in response to: silvine

SILVINE: "...our emotion in its keenest moment passes from expression into silence; our love at its highest flood rushes beyond its object, and loses itself in the sense of divine mystery." WOW that sure says it well doesn't it!! I think of the times I have been awestruck by nature (like the first time I saw the Grand Canyon or Cascade Canyon in the Tetons). Thanks for sharing!

PAMBURGER1: Let's keep rockin'....I'm behind you but I'm still plodding (since I'm an every-word reader) along!

silvine

Jul 18, 2009 1:37 PM

  |   in response to: rabenaug

Hey, with George Eliot, it pays to read every word--sometimes it's almost like poetry . . .
I'm off on a camping trip for two weeks, looking forward to lots more input from everybody when I get back. Just in case anyone feels indignant at the way Dorothea ends up, gotta tell you that Eliot was a big supporter of the first college for women at Cambridge.

pamburger1

Okay, I just finished the book and the last paragraph hit me so surprisingly hard that I must have re-read it a dozen times. I won't comment in detail yet, until August 7 (per the reading schedule)because I don't want to create a spoiler. I will say, in general, I found Middlemarch to be both incredibly poetic and maddeningly pedantic. There were points where I was fully absorbed into the world, yet other times where I was frankly bored to death. I found myself rooting for a character I had previously disliked and hoping for a comeuppance of one I had initially liked. This book really played with my emotions (in a good way) and challenged my thinking. What an incredible read!

jbcynthia

I'm dreading the end of Middlemarch. The characters have captivated me and I hate to leave them. Fred seems to find his calling towards the end but I'll not give anything away for those who haven't read as far as I have. I was very surprised at what I've learned about the past of one of the characters and how he/she relates to another character. I never saw that one coming as Hugo from "Lost" said about Rose and her husband. Rosamond may be getting her just deserts with her marriage. She is beginning to be a bore.
Eliot's writing shows people to be more complicated as one gets to know them.
And where is our blogger? I haven't seen anything from Jill and hope she is okay.

jbcynthia

I've sent 2 messages to Jill but her mail box is always full.

jezerbe

I too was looking forward to Jill's blogs regarding Middlemarch. Where is Jill?

delvorno

I'm in book IV right now; I would be reading faster but was hoping for some discussion questions.

I'm struck by how strong the issue of "vocation" is---Lydgate has a strong vocation but will it be undone by marriage? Mr. Brooke is such a dilatante--he's always looked into this and that, but is not committed. Casaubon has a vocation and I think that's why Dorothea is attracted to him in part--but much as he loves it, he's not really approaching it the right way (note that he does not know German, which the younger characters think is essential to pursuing his work).

hmprescott

Okay, here's my theory: Jill is not working with Oprah any longer and no one else on the staff has read "Middlemarch." What do you think?

antiesusy

I have just read all your comments and like what each of you have to say. I am far behind the published schedule, but will catch up soon. I agree it is a difficult read, but I love the dictionary feature on my Kindle. It really helps with archaic vocabulary. I am looking forward to more of all your comments.

rabenaug

hmprescott: I was just thinking the same thing.....she may have pressed on "to pursue other interests" anywhoooo it's a really good book that has stood the test of time.

Out of part 6 I really liked this line: "But indefinite visions of ambition are weak against the ease of doing what is habitual or beguilingly agreeable and we all know the difficulty of carry out a resolve when we secretly long that it may turn out to be unnecessary."

jbcynthia

I've emailed the Oprah "contact us" about Jill but never received an answer. I hope we can continue our discussion of Middlemarch even thought there isn't a "leader"

jackie00

Middlemarch sounds like a good read. This summer I have read Breaking Dawn by Stepahine Meyer and Knit Two by Kate Jacobs.

pamburger1

Aug 2, 2009 6:02 PM

  |   in response to: silvine

I'm not indignant at the way Dorothea ends up, but I guess I can't fully explain until everyone gets to the end. Next week, perhaps?

jessica823

hi

arod83

I've finished reading "Middlemarch" this morning. Now I've started reading Determination: Recaputuring My Life from Leukemia. I'm on the 3rd chapter right now. It's a pretty good book.

omghb1to3

Dear Jill,
You may want to consider this historical fiction writhe "OH MY GOD,HE'S BLACK". You my find this by googling sydrycalWorks for all the information available. You may contact me though your records here at Oprah. I am as well omghb1to3 on the community boards.
Love and Aposiopesis(silence until then) blessings,

Sidney

micjoh

Finished yesterday. Yahoo! Am glad that I met the challenge.

bvaughn512

I just finished Middlemarch. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was unhappy to finish it. Are there any other Eliot books anyone would recommend.

rabenaug

Just Finished!! WOW....No wonder it is a classic and stands the test of time.

nanasusie2

It's tomato time! Just finished Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell and it is a MUST read. It is fun and bawdy, rich and heartfelt and truly takes you back to Italy. It was unlike any book I've ever read- very original with fun language. I'm waiting for my friend to finish so we can compare notes -- I'm still trying to figure out whether the footnotes, often hysterical, are actually true. I hope the book club reads Tomato Rhapsody because I'd like to relive it with the group and discuss!

pamburger1

I anticipate I'm going to be in the minority in this opinion, but I was surprised at how sorry I was that Mr Bulstrode got caught in his deception. I kept hoping that Raffles would take his secret with him to the grave. Bulstrode had worked so hard to redeem himself in his society, but I guess it wasn't enough to escape his justice. Normally, I would have cheered that the secret came out, but for some reason, I felt sorry for Bulstrode. As the layers of his character were revealed, I felt like I saw some humanity in him and wanted him to be spared. Still, I guess no matter how remorseful we are when we've done wrong, there is still a bill left to pay.

I'd be curious to know anyone else's thoughts on this...

silvine

Aug 10, 2009 4:52 PM

  |   in response to: pamburger1

That's one of the things I love about Eliot--she helps you understand people so deeply you can't help seeing their humanity and feeling for them. (I loved it that Bulstrode's wife could stick to him and give him something to hold to in the wreck of all his hopes.) Even Rosamund, the character Eliot's hardest on in the whole book--not only do we understand why she's so narrow, she has her moment of seeing beyond her narrow limits. Beyond her "speck," as Eliot puts it: "Will not a tiny speck very close to our vision blot out the glory of the world, and leave only a margin by which we see the blot? I know no speck so troublesome as self." But when the speck gets out of the way, then there's the glory! Like when Fred Vincy sees Lydgate beginning to gamble compulsively, and saves him. And of course the morning after Dorothea's night of despair . . . That's one of the most famous passages in the book, by the way, when Dorothea looks out the window in the morning.

So some people think Dorothea should have done much better than just becoming Will's wife--what did you think??

rabenaug

Aug 11, 2009 7:10 AM

  |   in response to: silvine

I like to think true love is the "much better" route...it will get you much further then any notions of being better off via marriage for money or position in society...isn't Rosamund a good example of that???? Thought she'd have it all via marriage to a doctor. What about Mary and Fred?

pamburger1

Aug 11, 2009 2:55 PM

  |   in response to: silvine

I didn't feel that Dorothea settled because she chose to be Will's wife. In many ways, Dorothea had more choices available to her than the average woman of the time. I don't think her desire to do good in the world was as strong as she initially thought it was. If it were, it seems to me that she would have chosen to remain single, kept her fortune and used it to further her interests. Instead, she consciously chose to give that up for Will. Sometimes, I think we say we want something, but when given a choice, we act in a way that is counter to our stated desire. That's how I viewed her decision.

silvine

Aug 13, 2009 2:46 PM

  |   in response to: pamburger1

And perhaps being Will's wife gave her all kinds of opportunities for furthering the work of reform that was so desperately needed in England? After all, that was the direction Will had found for himself--and maybe being the wife of an influential reformer was one big way for a woman to play a role? Anyway, somehow I can't doubt that the woman Eliot makes us believe in so completely would have found a way to express "the dominant spirit of justice within her." That moment when she looked out the window after her night of despair and saw other human beings moving on the road and in the field--"Far off in the bending sky was the pearly light; and she felt the largeness of the world and the manifold wakings of men to labor and endurance. She was a part of that involuntary, palpitating life, and could neither look out on it from her luxurious shelter as a mere spectator, nor hide her eyes in selfish complaining. What she would resolve to do that day did not yet seem quite clear, but something that she could achieve stirred her as with an approaching murmur which would soon gather distinctness."

king82

I just picked up a copy of 'How I Became a Famous Novelist' by Steve Hely. H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S stuff, especially if you're a Noprah lover like myself...sorry .

king82

I'm reading right now the moving story about the 'Krapowski' family who appeared on the Oprah show and am laughing so hard that I'm crying. Check out 'How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely...it's vintage Noprah at its absolute finest. These blogs blow too.

nicoloboys

What about a show to get children reading. You know, have a children's author. Promote it in a way where you can get parents and children reading the same book.. Then have the author on the show. Even better yet film a school or a class you have gotten to read a book with their parents and have a live chat about the book.. Oprah has the time slot to reach many a child with a book. I'm surprised she hasn't done that already..

zxie9876

I was so excited to see that there would be a group reading MIDDLEMARCH. I dug out my old copy from 35 year ago and began it again. I have loved re-reading it but could never find the MIDDLEMARCH discussion group on OPRAH again. Now, suddenly today, there it is!
Now, on to WAR AND PEACE.

delvorno

Aug 21, 2009 11:41 AM

  |   in response to: zxie9876

It has not been much of a discussion, zxie9876. I chose MIDDLEMARCH for my university course this summer because I hoped to require my students to take part in this blog. Our last class was yesterday. The class started at the end of June and by then I knew that this discussion was going nowhere.

It's made me very sad.

I think that part of Eliot's genius is that we can somehow manage to feel some sympathy for Bulstrode, in spite of everything we know about him. Like Viginia Woolf said, this is a "book for grown-ups" and hence there's a lot of room for ambiguity, even though I do believe that Eliot has firm moral principles guiding her. I think that she realizes that principles are great in theory but when you come down to the complexity of human beings and their actions and reactions, clear-cut affinity to just one way of doing or being is a lot more murky.