Interesting Things

CH 1

Thus in the midst of the mud and at the heart of the fog, sits the Lord High Chancellor in his High Court of Chancery. – Narrator (PG 7)

The entire English justice system is insulted in this one sentence and a major theme throughout the book is also solidified.

            For the first few pages, the narrator describes London porper and the pollution, mud, and general chaos that it is. Then the narrator literally and metaphorically places the High Court of of Chencery at the center of the problem. Why the author chose the Justice system, instead of the police force or parliament, is curious.

            The reason for this selection lies in the nature of the court. Judges are subject to follow the law, no matter what it details. The Court really has no power in creation of new laws or regulations, they are the recievers and execute the orders given. This makes them a by product of the government and a representative of it as its creation. As the Court system is corrupt, it could be said the government is as well. This is what the narrator is getting at and it is a very bold statement that is followed through the book.

CH 2

Sir Leicester has no objection to an interminable Chancery suit.  – Narrator (PG 14)

Sir Leicester, the fashionable Lady Deadlock’s husband, is a quintisential upperclass idiot. Because of his vast funds, he cares little how most of it is spent. Because of his position in the nobility he only wants to remain there and ensure the lower classes are kept down. He respects the Courts, as to do otherwise would go against social norms and British society. He does all of this without thinking much about it. In fact, it is easy to recognize that Sir Leicester considers little.

The ignorance of problems that Leicester’s wife, or the general population, encounters is very selfish. He is focused only on little things for his own good. He practically an archtype for the selfish rich man.

CH 3

…the resolution I had made on my birthday, to try to be industrious, contente, and true-hearted, and to do some good to some one, and win some love if I could… - Esther (PG 26)

            Esther is so unassuming and kind that she is practically a saint. Despite the poor circumstances she was raised in, her outlook is crazily-positive. Although it is applaudable in marytrs, the amount of herself that she gives to others could eventually end up putting her in a truly bad position. Duty and honor are strongly embedded in her.

CH 4

”What?” asked Ada, with her pretty smile. –Esther(PG 43)

            Bashful and modest are Esther’s middle names, but in this passage the audience gets a hint that she is at least moderately clear-sighted. Esther realizes something is amiss in the Jellyby household, but doesn’t wish to assume anything.  Ada realizes this as well, but her comprehension of root of the source is much worse. In short, Ada is a well-intentioned girl, but less intelligent or willed than Esther. She follows Esther’s lead in helping the children and even in going places.

CH 5

They die in prision though. Their lives, poor silly things, are so short in comparison with the Chancery proceedings, that, one bu one, the whole collection has died over and over again. I doubt, do you know, whether one of these, though they are all young, will live to be free! Ve-ry mortifying, id it not? – Miss Flite (PG 56)

            The crazy old lady is prophetic and accurate. She is unknowingly, or possibly knowingly, warning the young trio (Esther, Ada, Richard) what happens to anything young or hopeful when under the influence of the Jarndyce and Jarndyce case. The author is using Miss Flite to compare the birds to the trio. It is a clear warning, though none of them recognize it.

CH 6

I must have a promise all around theat nothing of this sort shall ever be done anymore. – Mr. Jarndyce (PG 81)

Mr. Jarndyce is eccentric, but recognizes the scam Skimpole pulled on Esther and Richard. However, he forgives and forgets immediately. This back and forth in his personality is something worth noting. He appears conflicted but genuinely interested in everyone’s wellbeing from the ophans to Skimpole’s selves. This sense of responsibility is clear throughout the chapter and emphasizes just how good he has been to others.

CH 7

At the Dedlock’s manor, an old story is brought out into the air. The legend is that the Dedlock’s name will one day be ruined because of their past indiscretions and betrayals. Combined with a very sharp eye Tulkinghorn has turned on the Lady Dedlock, these events do not bode well for the Dedlock household. Although it is unknown what role the Dedlock’s play in this novel, it seems they are going to become more important characters.

CH 8

Little old woman, and whither so high?

To sweep the cobwebs out of the sky

You will sweep them so neatly out of our sky, in the course of your housekeeping, Esther, that one of these days, we shall have to abandon the Growlery, and nail up the door. – Mr. Jarndyce to Esther (PG 98)

This seems to be an omen and a compliment rolled into one. Jarndyce is very complimentary towards Esther. He calls her little old woman and more in a teasing way, but there is the impression of something more behind his words. More as in he posses a liking beyond sponser. The nicknames are almost a subtle form of flirting, but it is difficult to discern whether they are attempts to flirt or just make Esther feel welcome.

CH 9

To hear Mr. Boythorn  presently expressing the most implacable and passionate sentiments, with this fragile mite of a creature quietly perched on his forehead, was to have a good illustration of his character, I thought. -Esther (PG 117)

Mr. Boythorn is a passionate man, vocal and physical. Despite his imposing stature and personality, he seems to be a force of good. Esther immediately recognizes him as a good guy, gentle to those who need it. The power of Esther’s perception is once again highlight. Boythorn represents a simple, direct force of organization and anti-pretense. He scorns nere-do-wellers and boring places while favoring adventures and honorable friends. He is one of the few all-good people that have been introduced as of yet in the book.

CH 10

…sold himself to The Enemy; but you and I know better – he don’t buy. – Mr. Krook to Tulkinghorn (PG 136)

            This ominous exchange is very interesting because a mutual acquaintance of Krook and Tulkinghorn is unlikely. The Enemy is a very broad description of something, perhaps evil, that both fight against. However, knowing Krook’s rather psychotic tendencies and Tulkinghorn’s snoopy ones, it is probably nothing normal people consider the enemy. That begs the question of what could possibly be a mutual enemy. It throws Tulkinghorn into a very suspicious light knowing that Krook is crazy.

TBTHR

1) This story is arguable about WWI. How so? (Hint: Think about the title, the landscape, the tone, and the main characters actions in the story). Pick out some devices and discuss how they reinforce this WWI idea.

-Although it is dufficulty to make direct connections, there are some possible refernces. The man thinks of people not ‘here’ with very unhappy connotations. The man could be remembering people (comrades) who have died. His lack of ease could spawn from a post-war slump. Many who return from war are effected negatively by their experiences.

2) Why would this story be a good introduction to The Sun Also Rises?

-Because Hemmingway is the author of both, there are certain cimilaitities between TBTHR and TSAR. The shortness of sentences is evident in both and serves to emphasize different elements in the respective series. In TBTHR the man’s solitary life compliments the lack of personal detail and desolate mood. In TSAR, the people are all described, but aside from Jake their emotions and inner thoughts are not explored.

3) What is the theme of this story? 

-The theme of TBTHR is redemption and healing. The man in the story appears to have had bad experiences in the past, possibly as a soldier, but comes to the river for quiet and peace. First he passes through the barren blackened land, but in the second part he comes to a place of calm and happiness.

4) Discuss tone in part 1 and part II.  What is it?  How is it different?   How did you determine it?

            Part one is filled with a sense of desolation. From being kicked off the train to the sooty, charred landscape, the scenery is grim. The man watches all of his surroundings with a distance and observers eye. His personality and opinions don’t show through.

            In the second part, the man blossoms. He interacts with the environment by fishing. The awe when watching the silver trout swim through the stream is clear. The man becomes more open to the reader and to his environment. This clarity makes for a seemingly less gloomy story.