Welcome, astrangerhere!
I hadn't heard of Tadgh Hynes before so thanks for the recommendation, and trapped women and ridiculous men are interesting ways of describing the characters. I'm halfway through now and thinking through all the men; it does seem they get to be smart and moralising on one hand and ridiculous and stupid on the other, which honestly still carries through to today such as with the sitcom star dads. I'm not sure I quite see the theme of trapped women in this book yet but I think I understand the viewpoint- most women of the time were trapped compared to men. An argument could be made for Olivia being more or less trapped into an engagement with the farmer she didn't really love but she agreed to those circumstances herself to try to get her other beau to propose to her.
BG, thanks for that info; it will give a new flavour to reading the rest of the book with knowing it's based on his own life.
The comedy is still keeping pace. I thought the whole portrait situation was hilarious. It's funny enough as it is, but I misread the neighbours as being drawn
as seven oranges instead of
with which honestly seemed plausible enough in this story so I ran with it in laughter until reading back and noticing my mistake. I've just reached Olivia running away and the mother's immediate 180 degree turn of opinion and her proclamations of "Vile strumpet!" are also giving me a good chuckle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfisher
The supposed tribute to his wife ("I wrote a similar epitaph for my wife, though still living, in which I extolled her prudence, economy, and obedience till death; and having got it copied fair, with an elegant frame, it was placed over the chimney-piece, where it answered several very useful purposes. It admonished my wife of her duty to me, and my fidelity to her; it inspired her with a passion for fame, and constantly put her in mind of her end.")
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Who wouldn't love a husband like that?
