Thursday, March 10, 2011

Villette Read-Along: Chapters 21-25

Villette (Everyman's Library (Cloth))Oh Lucy.  What are you doing?  You need a mother around, poor dear, or a confidant of some sort that isn't afraid to smack you upside the head.  You are a smart girl--those thoughts about your warring Feelings and Reason were spectacular--but please attempt to maintain a firm grip on reality!

He doesn't love you, you do realize that, don't you?  Not in the way you need him to.  Take those rampaging feelings and listen to what they are telling you: you need a social life, dear--but don't put all of your eggs in one basket, and certainly not a flimsy one!  The Bretton's can't be your reason for living.  I think you realize that, although it seems to be your greatest wish for it to be so.  They are kind, but they aren't as deep as you.

Hold it together, sweetie.  I won't make you talk about Polly or the nun just yet.  Get to know yourself a little better.  Find some other friends.  Your life needn't be over just yet!  Just be willing to open up a bit, see the world through a wider lens.  (and now I must read on to find out where this story goes!)

(thanks again, Wallace, for hosting the read-along!  I wouldn't have gotten to this book this year without those fabulous deadlines!)

7 comments:

  1. LOL! Loved your post!

    "you need a social life, dear"

    I think you've hit the nail right on the head!

    She needs to interact more and stop being all judgmental about the other teachers and pupils (and people from VIllette in general). I'm sure some of them must be good people.

    Maybe she's just too worried that it's beneath her to mingle with them? After all, she did come from a gentile family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Haha, it was a fun post to write. :) I think you're right, Lucy is probably a little proud about her social standing, even if it is only in her head.

    It's almost as if she's forcing herself to stay in this holding pattern: she won't allow herself to open up, mingle, and interact with those that might be "below" her, but neither will she allow herself to hope or try for love and happiness with someone "above" her, and she's cracking trying to hold it all together!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I also love this post! Haha! Yes-- she definitely needs a sound, level-headed confidante. Though I have no idea where she will find one. I cannot wait to see what happens with Lucy, she does seem to be unravelling. (I can't help but be a little excited about it!)

    P.S. So glad you're still with me, reading this! I can't believe we are heading towards the end... only a few more weeks to go.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I totally agree! :) Lucy needs to talk to people and leave her shell. Even if she can't find the "perfect" friend, she'd improve if she confided a bit of herself to a few friends and stop being afraid to be judged!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wallace, I like how you said she seems to be unravelling--nice way to put it. I'm thinking about the book more at this point than any other so far, I want to find out what happens! (Also, I think the pace of this read-along has been great...not too much, not too little.)

    Mady, good point! It's like she's holding out for perfection...perhaps based on the life she used to have? She was almost ready to become Catholic after the kindness the priest showed her...she's definitely holding onto a little too much!

    ReplyDelete
  6. "He doesn't love you, you do realize that, don't you?  Not in the way you need him to... The Bretton's can't be your reason for living.  I think you realize that, although it seems to be your greatest wish for it to be so.  They are kind, but they aren't as deep as you. "

    Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Loving you writing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sorry, that should read YOUR writing :)

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear what you have to say, leave a comment!