Reading 1001 discussion

8. What role do minor characters–for instance Julius Beaufort, Mrs. Manson Mingott, the Van der Luydens, Newland’s mother and sister Janey, and others–play in this novel?

I think this array of characters help develop the image of New York Society in 1870.

All of the back characters serve to reinforce the social norms of the day. Being socially included/excluded is the back story. Ellen was the only character who seemed willing to push back on that culture.

I agree with you both and at the end of the book I liked Dallas and his straightforward attitude to his fathers supposed affair.

Yes, Dallas was the new, the better communicator.

Agree with you all. I enjoyed Dallas.