Book Seven – Two Temptations (Previous books are still up)
1) Chapter 63 describes a family dinner at the Vincy home to which Mr. Farebrother is invited. What did you think of the subtexts of the dinner, of Mr. Farebrother’s interactions and observations, and of the general impression of the state of the extended Vincy family?
2) Lydgate tells Rosamond that they have to reduce their expenses and move to another, less expensive home in Chapter 64 Rosamond has other ideas, and implements them. The chapter ends:
"Poor Rosamund for months had begun to associate her husband with feelings of disappointment, and the terribly inflexible relation of marriage had lost its charm of encouraging delightful dreams. It had freed her from the disagreeables of her father's house, but it had not given her everything that she had wished and hoped. The Lydgate with whom she had been in love had been a group of airy conditions for her, most of which had disappeared, while their place had been taken by everyday details which must be lived through slowly from hour to hour, not floated through with a rapid selection of favourable aspects”
What do you think of Rosamond’s reaction, and of the ideas she has put into place?
3) Lydgate’s situation is deepened in Chapter 66 :
But just as he had tried opium, so his thought now began to turn upon gambling -- not with appetite for its excitement, but with a sort of wistful inward gaze after that easy way of getting money, which implied no asking and brought no responsibility. If he had been in London or Paris at that time, it is probable that such thoughts, seconded by opportunity, would have taken him into a gambling-house, no longer to watch the gamblers, but to watch them in kindred eagerness. Repugnance would have been surmounted by the immense need to win, if chance would be kind enough to let him. An incident which happened not very long after that airy notion of getting aid from his uncle had been excluded, was a strong sign of the effect that might have followed any extant opportunity of gambling.
What do you think of what happened in the Green Dragon? How does Fred save him, and how does Fred save himself?
4) Raffles has turned up in Chapter 70 and threatens to expose Bulstrode. However the plan comes to naught when Raffles dies at Bulstrode’s home
What do you think of the convenience of his death? Do you think that Bulstrode has any culpability? Do you think that Lydgate does? How does Lydgate’s loan from Bulstrode cause the situation to be worse?
5) The situation gets out of hand for Bulstrode and Lydgate in the next chapter
Do you think that Middlemarch has been fair in their judgments of Bulstrode and Lydgate?
6) This book is titled “Two Temptations” What are the two temptations?
posted by Mimi @ 3/26/2010 03:57:00 PM
1 Comments
1 Comments:
1) Lots going on at this dinner--the love triangle of Mary, Fred and Mr. Farebrother, and how the families of the men regard Mary. Lydgate and Rosamond's marriage and money troubles. The money troubles affecting Lydgate's relationship with Farebrother, whose money troubles are gone. It seems like everyone was rubbing each other a bit the wrong way. It must have been an uncomfortable party!
2) My impression when Rosamund and Lydgate were courting was that they didn't have realistic expectations of marriage and this shows that Rosamund didn't. She doesn't conceive of it as something that requires her to compromise. She is in no way a helpmeet or parter and basically views marriage and Lydgate as something that should serve her own desires at all times.
3) This scene is very ironic-we find Lydgate in the same position that he had disdained Farebrother for, and who should come to save him but the irresposnible Fred, who thoughtfully draws him way with mention of Mr. Farebrother. Hopefully Fred will save himself by taking to heart the true, sacrificial friendship Farebrother has shown him by learning discipline and eschewing gambling.
4) I certainly think that Bulstrode has culpability. He was aware that his actions and lack of direction to the housekeeper might lead to Raffles's death, and that this was the result he desired. I think that Lydgate has less culpability in the matter--I think he gave the directions in good faith, but it's hard to know what responsibility he has to see the carried out. Also he had his suspicion's about Blustrode's actions but does nothing about it, and his decision to do nothing is certainly affected by the money.
5) The situatuion certainly looks bad for them. I don't know what the most fair action to take would be. There doesn't seem to be enough evidence for a trial, and they can't really be sure one way or the other what happened. It's hard to know how to treat the situation,but at least asking them for their story might be better than assuming the worst.
6) Lydgate is tempted by the money and Bulstrode is tempted to let Raffles die. It's hard to nail down the things Eliot refers to with the numbers though--I think we also see Fred and Farebrother tempted in this chapter.
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