Victorians! discussion

"I write these lines in such misery of mind that no words can describe."

Some correspondences of particular interest.

I wonder what interest Captain Wragge might still have in the family, as it would seem in their current state there is nothing he could benefit from the daughters, at least he could not gain anything of material or monetary value. So I wonder just what he wants.

Has the reader been mislead and will he prove to in fact offer some assistance to them? Or does he bring some new ill will to the family?

He doesn't know that yet, though. He had read in the paper that the parents had died, but he doesn't know the sisters have been left with nothing. Even still, he could travel any number of roads if his mind is bent in a pecuniary nature. Have you gotten to his self description, yet? That's great stuff. He's a piece of work.

V.r. wrote: "He doesn't know that yet, though. He had read in the paper that the parents had died, but he doesn't know the sisters have been left with nothing. Even still, he could travel any number of roads if..."

Yeah I wasn't sure if he would have been aware of the siutation or not.

I was surprised by Magdalen's leaving. I did think she would get involved in the theater, but not without her sister and Miss Garth being aware of it. Do you think she could have been helped by Captain Wragge and if so the question would be why?

Norah and Miss Garth have now this worry to concern themselves with. It does seem quite unfeeling for Magdalen to have left them in this state.

Marialyce wrote: "I was surprised by Magdalen's leaving. I did think she would get involved in the theater, but not without her sister and Miss Garth being aware of it. Do you think she could have been helped by Cap..."

Yes I had a suspicions she would end up turning to acting, or at least attempting to do so, particularly when that card reappeared again when they were getting ready to leave the house.

I had considered that Captain Wragge might be the one who is helping keeping her concealed, though at this point he is a most curious and mysterious case.

I realize that acting was considered something that the lower class did, but I think it would be unfair for Ms. Garth and Norah to try and force Magdalen into a more "proper" profession, which was obvioulsy the long term plan. Can you imagine Magdalen being harnessed and forced to be a governess, which I believe was a respectable position for women in their class. I dont think she would handle it well.

I do think that her leaving without warning was cruel, but she seems especially bereaved. Obviously she is plotting some sort of vengeance, but I really have no clue what her plan is exactly.

Becky, You will be in for lots of interesting things where Magdalen is concerned.

I worry for Magdalen. I worry that this is rousing some dark emotions in her. And I don't see how she's going to get through it all without having some serious regrets.

One of my favorite books of all time is Daniel Deronda. Magdalen, in some respects, in that of a potential governess, reminds me a little of Gwendolyn. I think her pride is motivated differently, but they do, in some ways, remind me of each other.

But I'm liking the comparison to Sense and Sensibility more and more. I think we're going to see more of Nora.