Spirited young woman! Dorothea in Middlemarch | Analysing George Eliot | Claire Fenby

More thoughts on Middlemarch (no big plot spoilers) focusing on the character of Dorothea, energy & vocation. Watch part one: • History, reform and op... #Middlemarchalong
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[@sarahsperusals]

i love what you said about dorothea's energy. how before she was married she was "spirited" but during her marriage she's "over excited" like a child. i think the comparison also stems from how women have always been defined by how men view them. when dorothea agrees with everything casaubon is doing she's spirited, but when she disagrees with casaubon - whether it be regarding the key to all mythologies or will ladislaw- THAT'S when she's deemed over excited

[@Claire_Fenby]

100%!! Women just can’t win in Patriarchy

[@leilastackleather9927]

I love this talk. You bring out really interesting and poignant elements of the novel. As I'm reading and reflecting I keep think about the intentions of the characters, intentions sometimes hidden to/from themselves. Or if not hidden, then actions and outcomes missing the the mark of the intention. This seems especially so with Dorothea, and maybe why I connect with her the most. I recognize her struggle in myself. I haven't quite finished my first read, yet I can't wait to reread the novel.

[@Fortheloveofclassics]

Loved this video. I get more insight into my favorite book when you discuss it. I love the narrator of Middlemarch: one of the many reasons I love this book. Thank you ☺️

[@JevaisaNY]

At the beginning of the novel I felt so hopeful for Dorothea. She seemed very clever to me and I thought she had a good scheme going on for her future, she thought she would have her own university professor at home in Casaubon. I know that in that era women were very limited as far as education is concerned so Dorothea choosing to marry Casaubon didn’t surprise me. She obviously overestimated him and the life they could have. I felt so frustrated for her, I almost wanted to scream it was so suffocating. I felt this while she was on her honeymoon. Even the German artist and Ladislaw just see her as a pretty object and don’t consider her as an equal at all. Will Dorothea break out of that situation at any time? I hope so for her sake. Maybe Casaubon will pop his clogs, maybe she’ll inherit the house and money etc which will enable her to get that private professor she’s looking for. I really enjoyed your video by your way!! 💕 In our time (BBC radio 4) also discusses this novel and George Eliot if anyone is interested. I enjoyed listening to it a few years ago. Maybe listen to it once you’ve finished the novel. I plan to listen to it again myself. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09z1dd7

[@KDbooks]

I was curious regarding vocation, especially “true vocation” being that Dorothea HAS to marry and Fred NEEDING to be a clergyman; all of which are dictated by the older generation and not themselves. Interestingly, Mr Riggs who after now gaining ALL of Farebrothers’ wealth can facilitate his own vocation (if he does I don’t know?) but again, it was the previous generation who ‘allowed’ this. It’s like the younger generation are weary to challenge the norms (which the narrator illuminates). Highlighted really with Mary refusing to take the 2 wills (why she doesn’t listen to Farebrother’s last words is still something I don’t quite understand?!)

[@maryk446]

The elderly man who died and left his wealth to Mr. Riggs is Peter Featherstone. Farebrother is the clergyman who is Dr. Lydgate's friend. As to why Mary refused to take the two wills and burn the newer one its because there were no witnesses who could confirm that Featherstone told her this was what he wished. In the TV series she tells him to wait until the morning and tell his brother and sister that he wants to use the older will, but he knows that he might not live until the next day. She doesn't want to be accused of lying or of having tried to manipulate Featherstone for economic advantage. She was Fred Vincy's close friend. If Fred has inherited the money people might think she lied about Featherstone's intentions so her friend could inherit the estate.

[@darwinmontanoarebalo5886]

How must you spell honey to make it catch lady birds? -Money -. You will realise that it is money that rules the world in Middlemarch. By the way, I'm really glad to see that you are enjoying this novel. In my opinion, it is the best 19th-century novel by far. Thanks for posting this kind of content on the channel, highly appreciate it.

[@Claire_Fenby]

Patriarchy & capitalism go hand in hand unfortunately... So glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching 📖

[@darwinmontanoarebalo5886]

@@Claire_Fenby I've tried to contact some experts on George Eliot so that they can spread out your content. I hope they really help to engage more people to debate with.