Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw
Or how about the opening two paragraphs from chapter II, that something I particularly liked:
Whosoever has observed that sedate and clerical bird, the rook, may perhaps have noticed that when he wings his way homeward towards nightfall, in a sedate and clerical company, two rooks will suddenly detach themselves from the rest, will retrace their flight for some distance, and will there poise and linger; conveying to mere men the fancy that it is of some occult importance to the body politic, that this artful couple should pretend to have renounced connection with it.
Similarly, service being over in the old Cathedral with the square tower, and the choir scuffling out again, and divers venerable persons of rook-like aspect dispersing, two of these latter retrace their steps, and walk together in the echoing Close.
|
Yes, I enjoyed his description of the rooks, and the parallel with the clergy too. I also enjoyed his descriptions of the little secluded square in London, and the thick London fog. They were quite invocative.
I think I must be a visual reader, because I enjoy world-building in fiction, along with character development, much more than books which rely on symbolism or profound themes. For example, Dickens’ descriptions of Grewgious’ living / working quarters, and his daily routines were quite interesting. They made him seem like a real person, and one I became invested in.
On the other hand, the tender moments between Crisparkle and his angel mother, bowing their heads together each morning were far too sweet to be believed. I also found Dicken’s descriptions of Crisparkle’s feelings about his mother overly sentimental. And that’s how I generally experience Dickens. I admire and respect what he did in terms of social justice, but in terms of reading enjoyment, he’s too sentimental and preachy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gmw
While I'm putting up some quotes, can anyone help me with elaboration/explanation for this:Is there some legend regarding Ostriches and iron? Is maybe a legend of Ostriches carrying food in their feathers or something?
|
Your question made me curious, so I checked Professor Google. And apparently there was a widely held belief regarding Ostriches and iron; however, I’m not sure how they link to Durdles:
https://mad.hypotheses.org/131