Sketches by Boz

People watching in the local park sparks interest in human variety.

It is amazing what the image of one man walking through the park can elicit.  Dickens takes on simple act of moseying along a path holding an umbrella to a whole new level.  The imagination begins to run wild with the man's daily events.  What does he do for a living?  Why is he holding an umbrella on such a beautiful day?  It is almost as if Dickens turns this man into one of his characters.  Not only does he give a vivid description of the man's daily life, but he also makes a smooth segway into other groups of people.  He may have begun with one man but he now makes the shift into focusing on the characterization of various groups of men in London.  Reading Thoughts about people is very much like reading a blog post.  I have found myself in airports writing on my departure and observing people.  I can picture Dickens with his "laptop" in hand letting his fingers write the lives of these people.  He begins int he park, "follows" these individuals to work, and then back to the back.  It is a wonderfully "blogged" event and an intriguing observation of human beings.

St. James Park

Prisoner's van = Her Majesty's Coach: Irony or social statement?
There is something to be said for Dickens' subtle way of expresses his social concerns.  It is a normal situation that we can all relate to.  We are walking along the street or driving down the road when we notice a crowd has gathered and we, like everyone else, want to know what the "fuss is all about".  It is a common human reaction to the observance of the gathering.  This particular group is waiting for what at first seems to be Her Majesty when it is realized that it is The Prisoners' Van.  Is it a coincidence that Her Majesty's coach is also a name for the prisoners' van?  Does this have some implication on the royal treatment of the common folk?  What then becomes even more interesting are the prisoners themselves.  They are children.  16 year old Bella reacts to the crowd as if she is a seasoned pro and has no shame in her actions while her younger sister is a "newbie" in the justice system.  She attempts to hide her face.  The contrast of these two individuals presents the reader with the ugly truth.  There appears to be no true reform for young criminals.  Of course, we don't exactly know why these young people are going to prison but one can only speculate they were acts of survival.  His keen observation of the social situation of London at the time is written in one easy to read article.  

A prisoner's van

 The door acts as a first impression. 

What does yours say about you?

There is something to be said for the appearance of one's home.  Dickens begins this story with that observation.  The varying doors and knockers that line the streets.  He talks of the owners of the knockers with the various meanings.  The concept of doors and knockers has never occurred to me as a way of knowing who was behind it but after reading this, I think he may have a point.  I see it very much as the Veneerings.  Appearance is everything to these people.  As we move along the street with Dickens, we are introduced to the various tenants with their everyday lives and rituals.  One neighbour in particular is in search of a tenant.  He has little luck with the first two but then takes in a young boy and his mother from the country.  The story then turns to death.  The city, as accused by the boy, has killed him.  It was quite interesting how the theme turned from first impressions to the final criticism of a murderous city.  Our Next-Door Neighbour

Irish Doors

Italian Doors

Dickens is one tough warden

Prison,  Dickens & Victorian England

It seems as though everything I've read & heard in this class this semester sounds like a type of prison. There is the obvious form as seen in A TALE OF TWO CITIES but there are also multiple other forms. Dickens has many characters in their own types of prison. 

Rokesmith/Harmon: He is imprisoned by his father's will. Upon his father's death, he has a wife & an inheritance. The inheritance may be a great thing but having no say in your partner doesn't suit him. To escape, he chooses to live a life of secrecy & continue his life as if he were the dead man found in the river by Hexam. In the end, he is able to overcome his imprisonment but going to such extremes in the beginning says a lot about his desires for a different life.

Lizzie: Early in the work, she is one of the most lovable, sympathetic characters. She is introduced in her father's boat & that is the first form of prison I see of her. She is at the mercy of her father who doesn't want her to be educated. She secretly learns via her brother Charlie. With her father's death, I have optimistic thoughts of her moving on with the life she chooses. Dickens has other ideas. She is harassed by her brother, Headstone & Wrayburn. She seeks the help of Riah & exiles herself to another town. She lives imprisoned in the distant life away from her home.

Veneerings/Lammles/Podsnaps: They all have one prison in common....societal standing. These families are so focused on their wealth & "keeping up with the Joneses" that lose sight of what's important in life. They have such potential but can't escape the chains of greed.

Jasper: Edwin Drood's uncle is simply imprisoned by his addiction. He is addicted to his opium, his love of Rose, & his envy of Edwin. While I'll never know if he's the reason Edwin disappears, part of me feels sorry for him. He can't escape his thoughts, desires & need for drugs.

Ned: Bless his heart! (As us Southerners would say) He is confined to his past. He wants to be a better person but his past continues to oppress him. He is convicted not on proof but on his past.

Joe Willet: If could just get away from his father, he might make in life. As of right now, he wants to join the service to escape. What he doesn't understand that military is another form of prison. He will be confined to the orders of his superiors. His father controls him now but he will soon be under the control of commanders. I don't know what's going to happen to him but running from one form of prison to another seems like the best choice for him at this point.

Riah: The Jew is a Jew. He is viewed, judged, & mistrusted for his religious belief. His religious choice imprisons him. While I don't think he should convert to Christianity to escape this, it does have a affect on how others view him. He chooses to prove everyone wrong by showing them that all Jews are not the same.

Dickens' works are full of characters in prison. Some are prisons they have chosen while others are placed upon them from outsiders. It seems as though every work the characters are looking to escape. If someone could only rescue them all...


Of course, I don't think it would be wise to rescue them.  We love them because we can relate to their troubles.  This may be Victorian England that Dickens is writing about but there are those struggling with these same issues in 2012.  While I long for some of my favorite characters to be "saved" I think the literature is all the better for these wayward souls.  Dickens shows us that one doesn't have to be behind steel bars to be imprisoned.

Victorian Author Olympics: Olive Schreiner

Olive Schreiner

Birth: in South Africa on March 24th, 1855 as the 9th child of a German Methodist missionary

Death: December 11th, 1920 in South Africa of a heart attack









Works:

• *The Story of an African Farm (1883); published under the pseudonym Ralph Iron; South Africa's first important novel
• *Undine (1929); published posthumously
• *From Man to Man; or, Perhaps only (1929); published posthumously
• -Dream Life and Real Life (1893)
• -Stories Dreams and Allegories (1923)
• Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland (1897)
• Women and Labour (1911)
• 5500 Letters

*Novels dealing with the woman question and gender relations
-Short feminist fiction

Themes of her works:

• Sexual, racial and class oppression
• Male chivalry as oppressing women
• Against girl's finishing schools
• Gender roles are socially determined
• Gender and androgyny

Dickens connection:

• No formal education but read many of his early works
• Influenced by him

Facts:

• Raised strict Calvinist in the remote mission stations of the Cape Colony
• Family was financially unstable and left home at 15 to work as a governess and nurse for Afrikaner families
• Had a crisis of faith and was estranged from her parents
• Experienced sexual harassment and denigration at an early age which would haunt her the rest of her life
• Politically active
• 1884 she met the pre-Freudian sexologist Havelock Ellis; close friendship
• 1885 joined exclusive "Men and Women's Club" founded by Karl Pearson; discussed the future of gender, equality of the sexes and marriage reform
• 1894 married Samuel Cronwright (ostrich farmer, cattle breeder & freethinker); she wouldn't take his name so he became Cronwright-Scheiner
• Had a daughter who died at birth
• Her book Trooper Peter Halket of Mashonaland embarrased her brother who was the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony at the time
• 1913 headed to Italy for medical treatment but only made it to England; spend 6 year there visiting Havelock Ellis and his wife Edith
• While in England she wrote passionate antiwar pamphlets
• 1920 returned to South Africa
• Acquainted with leader of socialist movement but not certain she shared their views
• Friends included: Karl Marx's youngest daughter Eleanor; Edith Lees Ellis; Amy Levi; Edward Carpenter; Margaret Harkness; Bertrand Russell; Alys Pearsall Smith; Leslie Stephen; Arthur Symons; Thomas Fisher Unwin (her publisher)

Olive Schreiner's Letters
Olive Schreiner Bio

Liberty Mutual Commercial

Ok...I've been thinking about Dickens characters in modern commercials.  I would like to put several of them in those touching Liberty Mutual Commercials where people see other people helping people and then pass it on.  I just LOVE those commercials and could see several of Dickens' characters in one of these.  Because the following characters have been so nice and helpful in the works, they should be helping others in a commercial and make some money on it.  There may be more to come but this is what I have thus far.

Lizzie: She's always willing to help (Betty, Charlie, Wrayburn).  

• She will be helping a person in a wheelchair into a building that has no handicap accessible doors.

Riah: He helps Lizzie escape Headstone and sacrifices his job to maintain his friendship with Jenny.  

• He will be stopping a young boy's dog from running out into a busy intersection.  

Rokesmith: He clears Hexam's name and allows the Boffins to keep his fortune.  

• He will be giving his umbrella to a pregnant woman standing in the rain.

Mrs. Boffin: She wants to help people with her money (Bella and Sloppy).  

• She will be paying for a stranger's coffee in a coffee shop.

Mortimer Lightwood because of his dedication and helpfulness to Wrayburn.  

• He will be picking up a heavy bag for someone at an airport baggage claim.

Sydney Carton: He sacrifices his life for Darnay's and in his last few moments of life he helps another woman.  

• He will be helping an older woman across the street.

Mr. Lorry does what he can to help Lucie and her father.  

• He will be helping an elderly person fill out a form in a city hall.

Rev. Crisparkle helps Neville and believes in him when no one else does.

• He will be helping a young girl get a doll from a tall shelf in a toy store.

After thoughts

I believe I may have judged A TALE OF TWO CITIES too harshly.  I didn't like the character development and I felt it was a little scattered; however, it has had some impact on me because I keep thinking about it.  Maybe it's because Easter is upon us which has its own sacrifice or maybe I'm trying to find something more.  I'm still not a fan of the dummies who went back to Paris but maybe I'm too focused on the surface meaning.  They went for their own reasons and that is something to be admired.  Maybe Dickens was trying to make that point.  We may have to make fatal choices in life but we have to believe in our decisions.  We don't need a French Revolution to remind us of the sacrifices we have to make.  They are sometimes small, a salad instead of a burger.  They are sometimes big, not eating yourself to give your child food.  Would I read it again soon...nope but I guess ATOTC was better than I thought.

In sickness & in health

2 very different ceremonies:


Rokesmith & Bella
I must admit that I was extremely shocked & excited when there was mention of their marriage.  What pleased me even more was the way Bella's mother took the news.  She is the most outspoken and ornery individual but I find myself wanting to spend time with her.  The person I would hate to be is Rokesmith...to have such a mother-in-law would not be my requests.  I guess that's why they include "for better or worse" in the nuptuals  I am so impressed with Bella's change in character.  She tells her mother like it is in a polite manner and has given up her love of money for her love Rokesmith.  When I read her pouring over housework and newspaper articles I had a smile on my face.  She has grown up and taken responsibility of her life.  As much as I've read about them all, I feel like a proud mother in her progress.  


Wrayburn & Lizzie
How sweet and sad their ceremony was.  I have been pulling for Lizzie from the beginning and it seems as though, up until now, she has come out on top.  She escaped crazy with the help of Riah, came to Betty in her hour of need, saved Wrayburn from immediate death, and getting married.  She has had a hard life but continues to remain so positive.  Wrayburn's desire to protect Lizzie is proof that the good in life is seen.  She has never asked for anything but yet gains so much more.  Dickens has issues with women but thus far, she is the one woman who is so pure.  While I don't see their marriage being a long one, I do feel it's a true love. 


Nuptials with new meaning:
In sickness: Wrayburn
In health: Bella & Rokesmith...so far


Till death do us part: Wrayburn & Lizzie will see this sooner than Rokesmith & Bella


For better: Wrayburn marries to protect Lizzie & also because he loves her
Or worse: Rokesmith got one heck of a mother-in-law & Bella has some hard work to do


For richer: Lizzie has wealth in love (cheesy I know but true)
Or poorer: Bella gave up her riches for Rokesmith

The men are continuing to take the lead

I am simply going to start with my thoughts...

Headstone: I didn't like him to begin with but my dislike has only grown.  He is such a despicable person and doesn't deserve to work with children.  Charlie is correct in changing his opinion of the man and should be glad his sister didn't not get involved.  I had originally thought Alfred would be the devil but Dickens proved me wrong.

Wrayburn: He is truly an admirable man.  He doesn't make a good first impression, in my opinion, but he doesn't deserve to be beaten in the night.  Although I think about him torturing poor crazy Headstone by wandering the streets at all hours of the night which drove him mad, there is no excuse for the violence.  What I find most redeeming is his request not to punish Headstone.  He does it for Lizzie's reputation which made me tear up a little.  I also think about the guilt that Headstone has to live with which is also a punishment in itself.  There is something so sweet in his love and in his last few hours this loyalty and dedication to Lizzie grew.

Rokesmith: After being attacked by Boffin, he continues to better himself in life without telling his secret.  He kept his calm and didn't fight back...what a man!  While I feel it will come out at some point, I admire him for keeping it up to this point.  I believe I would be jealous of Bella if I were in their circle of friends.

Riah: Such an admirable Jew.  He threatens his friendship with Jenny when he does what Fledgeby tells him to only to search his soul for his true self.  He quits his job to become the "exception" to the Jewish stereotype and to regain Jenny's trust.  In this encounter with Jenny, he transforms from the "wolf" back into the "godmother".  He knows what society thinks of Jews and he doesn't want to be part of that stereotype.  Love him for that!!

Mr. Doll: Ok...is it just me or is it creepy that Jenny continually refers to her father as her child?  It took me quite some time to figure out who she was talking about until he died.  I always thought she was too young to have had a child of that age.  I would love to know what Freud has to say about this.

Lightwood: I just want so say how wonderful it is to see his dedication to his friend on his deathbed.  I am touched by his granting Wrayburn's every final request. 

OMF...gettin' good!

I am loving OMF!! It was so amazing to read about what Mr. Rokesmith is doing. As is was confirmed that he was Harmon his next steps were selfless. Clearing Hexam & remaining a secretary for the Boffins' sake (allowing them to keep the money). I do hope he & Bella end up together but I wouldn't put it past Dickens to pair him with Lizzie. I admire Rokesmith for his choices which cannot be easy.  To know that you are someone else but must play the part of a secretary...I cannot imagine.


I must also make some comments about the Wilfers. They are absolutely cracking me up. laughed so hard at the anniversary dinner. I think it's because I've been in those family situations before. It's that tense moment & RW is the only one who continually reminds everyone that mother isn't happy.  He does it so subtly, "My dear, you don't seem to be enjoying yourself." I just LOVE it! The whole family would be so much fun to watch in a sitcom. I also think it's funny that Lavenia is making George pay for choosing Bella first but continues to keep him on the line.


Bella has also impressed me. She is still greedy but is aware of the sin in it. She sees herself as a "monster" and often a "beast" for having such monetary thoughts.  And her talks with herself make me chuckle but also make me proud to "be her friend".  She does understand. Then she becomes aware of the changes in Mr. Boffin. He is disappointing to many people; Bella, Rokesmith, Mrs. Boffin, & myself. He has decided that to have money, he must abide by the social constraints that come with it. He could be the exception to the rule but so far is becoming the norm. I was hoping he would stay the care free, loving man he originally was but it appears he will turn into a terrible man. The optimist in me sees him reverting to himself but the cynic in me believes he will remain a "tyrant".

Bleak House

Dickens' duality at it again!

• Esther: feeling totally alone vs. feeling loved and a part of something
• Dedlock: Sir coming from money and family vs. Mrs. coming from no family and being raised to wealth through marriage
• Opposite sides of the tracks: wealthy vs. poor and scary
• Two cities: London vs. Paris (fashion)
• Weather: the smoky looking fog of London

Poor Esther:

• not having a good birthday 
• being told she wasn't wanted
• having a doll as her only friend until her Godmother dies
• What a moving scene! She buries her doll as she buries her Godmother. I almost cried.

So...I've not really gotten into this work yet.  I'm confused about the Jarndyce connection and only feel connected to one character, Esther.  I did like the comments Kenge made about Miss Rachael.  I really loved his honesty.  The names are funny too...the Jellyby's crack me up every time and it's just the name, not the characters.

A Tale of Two Cities in color

Before getting a copy of the ebook, I had a copy of the text from the library.  I had to return it yesterday but before doing so I flipped through to make sure I didn't leave anything behind.  I'm glad I did.  There were some wonderful coloured illustrations by Rowland Wheelwright.  As I only had my cell phone with me, I did the best I could to get a few shots to share.  There were 16 total but I chose 6.  I didn't put captions to them but I would love to hear your thoughts on them!

 

I feel like a fool

In my last post on ATOTC, I made a comment about the Marquis getting what's coming to him for his lack of concern for the human race.  Somehow, I completely overlooked or maybe just forgot that he was killed so I guess he did get it.  Now don't get me wrong, I am not supporting murder to solve problems but in this work, I can understand why he was killed.  I stand corrected Mr. Dickens and I want to thank you for taking a little vengence out on him.  That is one of the great things about literature...freedom!

ATOTC in 10 minutes

I think my brain is turning to mush.  I find myself reading ATOTC and then not comprehending what I'm reading or maybe I am and I just don't know it.  Let's hope the latter is happening.  Then I hear people discussing it in class and find myself really liking their comments.  Of course, then I kick myself for not seeing that when I read it.  My problem is that I'm enjoying Our Mutual Friend but not ATOTC.  As I admit this, I feel I may be beat up in the back ally on the way to my car.  I started this book over the Christmas break and loved it!  Couldn't put it down.  Now it puts me to sleep.  Why is this?  If anyone has the answer, please, please, please tell me what I'm doing wrong and if it can be fixed.


The French Revolution and the Austro-Hungarian empire interest me.  I have to pull everything back to the German speakers ;)  I just wish I could do a better job at pulling the FR references out of the book.  I will say this...I REALLY HATE the Marquis.  When he ran over the child and then through money at the father, I wanted to hit him.  In fact, I imagined one of those karma scenes from a movie where he fell in the mud later or lost all of his money.  I would have applauded Dickens for writing that.  Of course, I know why he didn't but it still ran through my mind.  The one thing I did enjoy in this scene was the money being thrown back into the carriage.  While no one took responsibility for it, I felt it was Dickens' way of adding a "karma" scene.  It was that subtle, "We're not gonna take it", situation.  I do hope he gets what's coming to him.


I do, however, enjoy the relationship between Carton and Stryver.  It's just a pleasant read.  I'm not particulary drawn to them outside of their friendship but I like reading their interactions.  There is an understanding between them.  They work together, went to school together, and spend time sharing some thoughts...not too deep but there's an understanding.  I like it!

A golden thread was recalled

There have been two themes we have been looking at in ATOTC:

Recalled to Life:

• Darnay:  He is put on trial as a traitor but is found innocent.  Considering that he had one foot in the grave as this process began and was not convicted in the end, I would say he is most definitely recalled to life.  Even the action of him taking a meal after the process is a symbol of life.  Food is a sustenance for all living.
• Dr. Manette:  His current demeanor is much more lively than when we first met him.  He is no longer attached to his shoe making table and tools but rather lives a more active life.  He has a business and is interacting with the living and not with shoes.
• Wilfer: (OK...I know he's not in ATOTC but...) His interaction with Bella put him in this category for me.  His personality totally changed when she took him out for the day.  I just had to mention this.

Golden Thread:

• A golden thread in law is to prove the prisoner's guilt without a doubt.  This works perfectly in Darnay's case.  At this time in England, if you were questioned, you were pretty much dead.  Darnay, however, got lucky.  They did not find him guilty so he was able to "keep" his head, which proves to be quite valuable for his future endeavors. His love for Lucie also seems to brighten his spirits.  His enthusiasm for life shows through when he is speaking to Dr. Manette.
• Lucie is described as the golden thread by her father.  She is the one that holds everything together and gives her father a reason to live.  This particular thread has nothing to do with law but rather a literal thread which can bind or unite.  Also, I cannot remember exactly which one of the lawyers, Stryver or Carton, says this but he describes her on numerous occasions to have golden hair.  While this is an obvious statement of gold, I think it's worth mentioning on the topic.

I'm looking over a four leaf clover...

As a child, I always loved looking for four leaf clovers with my grandad.  He would always sing, "I'm looking over a four leaf clover that I've overlooked before."  It made the experience so much more memorable & if you've never heard the song, you should check it out on Youtube (the vocals begin at 2 minutes).  Now what does this have to do with Dickens?  Well, I was taking a break during a WAC workshop & decided to go for a quick walk outside.  There were several patches of clovers near the sidewalk & as I am always drawn to do, I began looking for four leaf clovers.  That was Thursday.

On Saturday, I was driving to Montgomery & began to think of the search for clovers as an analogy to reading Dickens.  Why?

Patience:

• In looking for 4 leafs, it takes a great deal of patience.  One could stand or squat over a patch staring at the green clump for hours.  If there is enough patience, the unique green plant will present itself.
• In reading Dickens, it takes quite some time to work your way through the descriptions & characters.  I often find myself staring at the words without really taking in their meaning.

Uniformity:

Clovers

• Clovers look all the same in a patch.  They are all a bright green with a little white line in the center, as seen to the right.
• Dickens characters & their lives appear to be same, especially if you are reading multiple Dickens' works at once.  One character from one work appears the same in another.

Uniqueness:

• If you can be patient & continue to look in a clover patch, a four leaf will soon appear.  It is a small thrill to find one after the search.  You then begin to notice the unique attributes of the entire patch.  There are different leaf sizes & slight variations in color.  If you're lucky, you'll find 5 & 6 leafs on one clover.  Once you find one, they appear quite easily.  Almost as if you've trained your eye to the clover.
• Dickens does this with his characters.  If you are willing to remain patient, the characters will take on unique qualities.  It will become a small thrill to find that uniqueness.  It draws you into the work even further & you want to continue reading to find other rare character traits.  These traits will present themselves more easily.

Dickens celebrated outside England

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! Joyeux Anniversaire! 
Shēngrì Kuàilè! Všechno Nejlepší k Narozeninám!


Charles Dickens turned 200 and the world noticed.  The main celebration was naturally held in England but the celebration made headlines around the world.


England:

• Prince Charles leads celebrations in England.  He visits the museum to look through original manuscripts & also visits the grave of the author.  Telegraph Article

The United States:

• AUM's literature course had a "chat & chew" session to celebrate his life & works
• CBS discusses this special day on the nightly news. CBS News footage

Switzerland:

• Zürich is also getting in on the "Dickens action".  The Museum Strauhof Zürich's current exhibition is on the life of Charles Dickens.
• The Swiss news also covered his 200th birthday in their news broadcast. Swiss Television broadcast

Online:

• Even Google celebrates.  Their logo turns Victorian with a mash up of various Dickens' characters.  Based on the article from Huffington Post this is the first logo to "specifically promote a product service".  This says a lot in regards to the importance of the British author.

A Tale of Two Cities...the beginnings

History in fiction:

•  As I looked over my notes for 2 Cities, my first comments were on the descriptions of the Kings and Queens of England and France.  The French description was, "large jaw king" and a "fair face queen" while the English description was, "large jaw king" and a "plain face queen".  It was intriguing to see the same description for the kings but slightly different ones for the queens so I decided to look up pictures for the two.  The king and queen of France in 1775 were Louis XVI and Marie Antionette.  The king and queen of England were George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.  Based on the pictures, I can understand why Dickens chose such a description.  I’ve heard of all of these figures but French and English history were never my strong suit.  I’m looking to Dickens to guide me in this.

Louis XVI King of France

Marie Antionette Queen of France

   Charlotte Queen of England   

George III King of England

• He did make an interesting comment on religion in England at this time.  The country was big on religion.  There was a witness of a youth tortured and killed for not kneeling to monks. 
• There was also a social statement, in true Dickens style, that of someone being sentenced to death for stealing a sixpence.  As I read this, I felt this was an extremely harsh punishment for a crime of this nature.
• With the relationship of France and England at the time this was written, it can certainly be read as a semi-fictional/semi-nonfictional recount of history.  With Dickens in charge of the story line, I am certain there will be more history lessons to come.

“Recalled to Life”: Can it be done?

• The phrase, “recalled to life”, continually comes up throughout book the first.  The first time I read the phrase I, much like the messenger, was puzzled at its meaning.  Was it some sort of philosophical code that I was supposed to understand immediately?  I continued to read in search of the reason for this statement and whala, it was finally revealed.  Well, maybe not whala, but at least there was a connection.  The vague description of the characters now begins to become a little clearer and more complexly connected.
• There are many ways in which this happens in the work:
• Miss Manette’s father is released from prison and introduced back into society.  He has been locked in a room making shoes without any outside contact other than the “sight seers”.
• Manette is reintroduced to her father, whom she thought was dead.  This is also noted in the description of her hotel room as “funeral attire”.
• Mr. Lorry is put back into contact with Manette, whom he brought from Paris to England so many years ago.  Dickens doesn’t over do the description of their interactions but I am left with the feeling that Mr. Lorry has some regrets in the development or lack there of of this relationship. 

Two Cities like ED and OMF:

•  Miss Manette immediately reminds me of Rosa and Miss Podsnap.  They are all three dainty and are often faint. 
• Miss Manette’s father reminds me of Mr. Grewgious due to the fact he still possesses the a lock of Miss Manette’s hair and Mr. Grewgious held the ring.  He also reminds me of Drudles because of his need of a consistent schedule.  Drudles carries his package and is followed by Deputy.  Miss Manette’s father has a set schedule and is gawked at by his visitors.
• Mr. Lorry reminds me of Mr. Honeythunder but only in the sense that he’s all business.  I enjoy reading about Mr. Lorry much more than Mr. Honeythunder.
• Those are the only comparisons I can think of at the moment but I am hoping to find more as I continue to read more about the characters.

OMF! Still

Wait…who was that again?

• It is extremely frustrating to be reading this novel in parts.  I find myself spending the first few pages everytime I sit down with it having to remind myself of the various characters and plots.  Then by the time I’ve gotten my memory back, I have to go back to re-read the pages I just started reading.  As a Victorian, I am sure this would not be such a problem.  They didn’t have internet and tv shows to distract them with other plots and characters.  They were also not trying to keep Edwin Drood, OMF, and A Tale of Two Cities separate from one another.  It’s also hard to focus since ED and OMF have some similar characters (not exact but some similarities).  If I were focusing on OMF and discussing with friends during the Victorian era, I would be overwhelmingly intrigued.  I still enjoy the book but am frustrated with the back and forth of my brain function.  I’ve never been good at reading multiple books from the same author/genre.  And I’ve definitely never read several Dickens works with all of his characters and descriptions. 
• My main complaint with Mr. Dickens is that he doesn’t stick with one name.  Somehow, the character starts as Hexam and then becomes Gaffer and then somewhere along the way gets a nickname.  Love the descriptions and plotlines but am frustrated with my own lack of memory.

I’m noticing…

• I find myself admiring the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Boffin.  They are an interesting pair.  His love for her is true and loyal. 
• I continually want some of my favorite characters to reappear after several chapters of nothing.  When they do, they don’t react/do what I want them to.  
• After discussing dust in ED, I continually look for it in the other works.  Sometimes found and sometimes not.  I just find myself focusing on some of our discusses themes/images and I miss other important topics.

Ramblings:

• I would love to see the following in their own spin off:  the Veneerings, the Lammles, Lizzie & Charley.  I envision the Veneering/Lammle show to be very much like the current hit Revenge (More on IMDB).  Lizzie & Charley’s show would be a heart-warming yet turbulent one.  I would DVR any of those shows. 

Drood's end

Picture it, Cloisterham, Christmas Eve, one year after the disappearance:

• Edwin lives.  After a year of searching, he resurfaces to prove Neville's innocence in his "murder".  He has been hiding in London with Mr. Grewgious until he could mount enough evident against his uncle.  They find the ring in Jasper's home (Datchery was hired, by Grewgious, as a private investigator to find the ring and did so).
• But I digress...
• Jasper attempted to kill Edwin when he and Neville left the river to come home but Edwin was prepared for the attack.  (Jasper thought he had drugged Ned but Ned didn't trust his uncle after the last wine enduced fight.)
• Rosa becomes engaged to Tartar but finds out that he is the father of her dear friend, Helena, and breaks the engagement.
• Neville confesses his love to Rosa but is rejected due to the relationship with Tartar.
• Edwin and Helena become engaged.
• Princess Puffer, before finding out Edwin is NOT dead, attempts to blackmail Jasper but mysteriously winds up dead. 
• The Chinaman's business doubles.
• Jasper goes to jail.
• Rosa returns to Miss Twinkleton and lives the rest of her life with the girls.
• Edwin and Helena marry.  They then go off to Egypt.
• Neville travels with them.
• The three travel into the sunset to the tune of, "Thank you for being a friend.  Travel down the road and back again.  Your heart is true.  You're a pal and a confidant."

Edwin Drood goes international

After several meetings with various German production companies, Barefoot Entertainment finally agreed to finance the film.  The company is anxious to begin working on the production in late 2012.  They have started looking into casting.  Below is a list of potential German speaking actor/actresses.  These are potential roles and the contracts have not been agreed upon at this date.


Jasper: Moritz Bleibtreu

• he's a versatile actor who can often have a dark side
• he's attire can sometimes appear unkept which I can see Jasper having in the opium scene

Edwin: Daniel Brühl

• he and Moritz work well together in films
• he also favors Moritz enough to be seen as related
• can have an innocent, sad look about him which is how I often picture Edwin

Neville: Alexander Scheer

• thin and lanky which for some reason I have Neville so in my mind
• he also looks much different than Daniel and Moritz which would fit with the description of him being "un-English"
• he is also younger and little more playful which I picture Neville being

Helena: Johanna Wokalek

• has darker hair in contrast to the actress chosen for Rose
• a more serious individual at first glance but also with a playful side

Rosa: Julia Jentsch

• has a lighter complexion than Julia and blonde hair
• seems softer and a little more childish which I thinks works with Rose's character
• while she appears more childish, I have seen her in a more serious role and believe she can handle the scene between her and Edwin

Mrs. Crisparkle: Monica Bleibtreu

• iconic actress who can take on any role
• she's often in stronger roles but I would like to see her take on a more delicate "ceramic" part

Mr. Crisparkle: Bruno Ganz

• he is the grandfather figure in the sense that he has such a caring nature
• as I read, Mr. Crisparkle embodied the person you could run up and hug
• I have seen him in some wonderful roles as the care giver

Durdles: Jürgen Vogel

• he is not as thin as I pictured Durdles but I feel he can embody the personality
• can carry the "dusty carry my bundle wherever I go" character throughout the film
• is a solid performer

Honeythunder: Burghart Klaußner

• comes across at first glance as a solid businessman which is how I picture Honeythunder
• can play the role without caring for others' feelings

Miss Twinkleton: Franka Potente)

• she is a wonderful actress whom I would like to see in a softer role
• while she is normally cast in more action roles, I can see her acting talent tested in this "keep the women of the house" role

Princess Puffer: Marlene Dietrich

• in reading, I pictured Puffer more grungy, larger and aged but after thinking about her character, I felt Marlene would fit the role and it would just be fun
• she's a legendary film icon...why not?

Tartar: Til Schweiger

• Til has the military look about him without looking too military
• he's handsome and has a caring nature about him, which is how I picture Tartar
• I could also see him being a character Helena would fall for

Mr. Grewgious: Ludger Pistor

• has an awkward nature about his mannerisms
• I picture Mr. Grewgious as being uncomfortable in every situation and Ludger can pull this off
• he's also not too awkward that he couldn't be the care giver of Rose
• I also envision the scenes between Crisparkle and Grewgious.  Ludger and Bruno would work well together

Update in the Edwin Drood case

BREAKING NEWS!

Early Saturday morning, a discover was made outside John Jasper's house.  Evidence of Edwin having been there was found at the back door.  Jasper immediately called the police to gather the evidence and the town of Cloisterham rejoiced at the possibility of Edwin still being alive.  After seeing the evidence the son of Cloisterham's English teacher and friend of Edwin, John Woodworth, was heard saying, "Eddy loved those things.  We often ate them together while walking along the river.  They are quite addictive.  I know he is here and is telling us he's alright."  Jasper confirmed John's statement.  Jasper also stated, "Ned always requested these bites for dinner.  I had them for our Christmas dinner just before he disappeared."  Good news from Cloisterham that Edwin Drood could possibly be alive and continuing to check on his beloved uncle.  There are still concerns for his well being and the question still remains, "Why will he not show himself?"

Photo below courtesy of the Cloisterham Police Department.

10 minute ramblings

As I've read OMF and ED I didn't really focus much on the religious aspects of the works.  After reading a classmate's blog and discussing it in class, it came to me that I actually make a note in OMF about the names of the Reverends for the Lammle wedding.  Reverend Blank Blank and Reverend Dash Dash were both there to officiate the wedding of Alfred and Sophronia.  Thinking back, this seems appropriate seeing as they both are phony.  The Reverends have no name and the couple have no clue.  The blatant poking of the religious figures are quite amusing.  Don't tell my mama cause I'm a southern girl and am not supposed to make fun of the church but let's face it...it's funny.


The OMF portion was amusing but then I thought about the Cathedral in ED.  This element seems to be a focal point for Cloisterham.  The church seems to be a means of employment for this enclosed town.  I don't see much value in the actual religious aspects of the Nun's House and the Cathedral.  It's all dark and dirty and reminds me of several trips to Cathedrals on my travels.  In fact, I have been into 2 catacombs in Vienna.  1 with thousands and thousands of bones from the plague (http://www.stephansdom.at/) and 1 with mummies (http://www.augustinerkirche.at/).  Coolest thing ever!!  After taking tours of both of these and now reading the role of Drudles, I can understand his fascination of it.  It's actually kind of addictive.  I'm actually looking forward to going back to Vienna for another tour.


So I think I got a little off topic but I'm now focused on the religious thing and I'm taking a trip down memory lane.  I am now ready to continue reading focus a little more on religion...and not just on Easter and Christmas.  Can't wait what for Dickens has to say about the church now.

First impressions of Drood

Death

• My first impression of the Drood work is how appropriate. (Ok, that’s a lie.  My first impression of the work is of the opium induced state of the first scene.  I have a CSI scene all worked out for this.)  But I digress; I cannot help but think of Dickens on his deathbed writing about death.  As Durdles works with the tombs and catacombs, it is apparent he values his work and is dedicated to the preservation of the dead.  He is proud of his work and often seems quite enthralled with what transpires.  While he is not overly philosophical, I can appreciate his admiration for the job and can picture Dickens writing a little autobiography in this character.

Parallel with OMF

Importance of appearance

• Mrs. Twinkleton decorates her office with globes to give the appearance of her constant longing for knowledge.  I personally don’t see her studying these in her spare time but for parents or guests appearance is all that matters.  I could very well be proven wrong as the story progresses.

•  Rosa and Eddy are engaged to be married and must appear to be happy in this endeavor.  “You know we must be married, and married from here, Eddy, or the poor girls will be so dreadfully disappointed!”  Why is it important to please others in a marriage when your happiness should be all that matters?  My curiosity is awake.  I want to know what happens to this insane couple.

• Rosa also wants Eddy to walk close to the gate or building so the other girls cannot see the state of his boots.  They are not shiny leather which apparently doesn’t meet Rosa’s standards.  (Interesting to note since she will be married to him.)  He doesn’t seem to mind her insults of his clothing and goes along with her desires.  Seems like a match made heaven and I hope these two kids live happily ever after…but I highly doubt it.

• Mrs. Crisparkle’s son fakes the need of glasses to read.  His eyes water and he can’t read what’s in front of him but wears them to give his mother a boost of confidence.  She doesn’t need glasses which gives her great pride.  I can admire him for wanting to please his mother but am not sure if sacrificing your sight is really worth it.

Random thoughts

• I don’t particularly care for Mr. Honeythunder.  He’s rude for not telling the Crisparkles he will be coming and seems to be a terrible philanthropist.  I am going to classify him outright as a jerk and a user.  Anyone disagree?

Human qualities transcend time

It is refreshing to see Dickens’ characters with such human qualities; qualities which apply to both past and present. 

Jealousy 

• As Twemlow is sitting with the Veneerings, he is listening to the ramblings of the wedding to take place.  What is the most interesting part of the entire event are his thoughts on the matter of their dear, family friends.  He thinks to himself, as they are talking about those important enough to participate in the ceremony, there are only three close…no wait, four close…no wait, six total close friends.  Even after the wedding he claims the two Reverends are now to be the Veneerings dear friends.  While I read this particular statement to be rather sarcastic regarding the Reverends, I found his thoughts during the discussion to ring true in many humans.  There are times when I evaluate close friends and I often find myself somewhat jealous of those who are considered close to friends without merit.  I don’t consider myself a possessive person or even an overly jealous person; there are simply times when a close friend of a friend crosses my mind in a negative way.  It makes me think of my place in the group.  While I don’t feel Twemlow is genuine in his friendship, I can understand his thinking process of counting the Veneerings’ circle.  There is something human in his thoughts; almost emotional that I related to as I read.

Revenge

• And now to the juicy stuff!  I was immediately awake when Alfred arrived on scene and was described as looking like Mephistopheles, also known as Mephisto.  I must note, way to go Dickens!  Only one word needed for a description which gets the mind gears turning.  As a lover of German literature, my mind automatically went to Goethe’s Faust. (More on Faust)  Since Mephisto is a demon in both the Marlowe and the Goethe renditions, I sensed some foreshadowing which made my mouth water.  And I was pleasantly surprised when the “demon” presented itself on the beach with his new wife.  Since I’m not overly fond of the Veneerings, I am dying to know what revenge is taken upon them by Sophronia and Alfred.  They were scammed by the Veneerings and are now legally bound to one another.  Revenge is another human trait that presents itself in various forms.  While I may not always act on my thoughts of pay back, I do have them.  As I left the beach, there was one quote that stuck out in my mind, “Don’t be betrayed into doing so again, because I have a Devil of a temper myself.”  I understand he was speaking about Sophronia’s outburst of emotion; I can’t help but put this quote to the Veneerings.  Here we go Mephisto.  Show us whatcha got! 

Random thoughts

• I enjoyed the reference to the Rocky Mountains in the past few chapters.  Am I seeing the influence of the US tour?