Tom Jones, Fielding’s double standard?

(I'm so sorry guys, I was working on my paper when I realized that I never put up my last two blogs so please excuse me for these very late additions.)

I feel like there is a double standard between male vs. female virtue. The female characters in this book that have sexual experience such as Molly and Mrs. Western aren’t shown in as redeeming a light as Tom is. They are the temptresses that entice Tom to have sex. They’re not virtuous, but Tom is, despite the fact that he sleeps with these women. The only truly “virtuous” female is Sophia, and she remains a virgin until her marriage.
It is true that Molly and Jenny Jones are described forgivingly by Fielding in order for the reader to sympathize for them. However, I find it hard to characterize them as “virtuous,” especially with Molly not being entirely honest to Tom about her pregnancy and Mrs. Western’s aggressive seduction of Tom.
I’m not sure of Fielding is serious or playful when he describes Sophia. He makes her seem like the paradigm of perfection, but her perfect virtue reminds me too much of Pamela. If Fielding was serious, and Sophia is meant to be interpreted as the perfect example of femininity, then I feel like Fielding is something of a hypocrite. She should have had some sort of sexual experience, or at least some sort of experience with love prior to Tom, in order for the standard to be fair.

The Mysteries of Udolpho taught me to read

The Mysteries of Udolpho really is an escapist novel, and at first, I didn’t know how to approach a book like this. I became bored with Radcliffe’s lengthy narratives of the scenery and the emotions of Emily after her father’s death. But then I realized that most of the reason why I found myself rolling my eyes every time she cried or fainted was because I’m a lazy reader. What I mean by this is that, in my interest to finish a novel, I don’t really flesh out the scene that the author is describing, but rather imagine a rough sketch of the setting, the characters and what is going on. This time though, I forced myself to take advantage of all the descriptions and really push my mind to imagine everything, and I found it REALLY changed the way I read.

I was on the bus with my mom when I read the part where Emily finds out that she won’t get to marry Valancourt and I actually went “Oh no!” out loud, and I think people must have that I was kinda weird. I found myself actually understanding that heart grinding feeling that Valancourt and Emily must have felt on their last meeting and that scene which I normally would have considered over dramatic or too much like a soap opera actually began to seem very natural. All of Emily’s interactions with her aunt made me want to strangle the future Madame Montoni and when Montoni traps Emily in the castle and thwarts her every chance of escape, I felt her frustration.

The castle at Udolpho was probably the mostly richly illustrated in my mind, and all of Emily’s spooky adventures there had me scared too. (If some of you are raising your eyebrows, keep in mind that I mainly got the chance to read the book at around midnight if not well past it and I have a low tolerance for anything in the horror genre.) I think this book drew more out of me emotionally than any of the others, and while the length was horrifying, I found a way to appreciate Radcliffe’s wordiness.

Last Day

Tension was mounting as the final approached we sat in the cafeteria sweating and checking our notes, identify this remember that we all spat then the beer came out and relaxation ensued….ok so no beer but the company relaxed all and for the final we marched pencils, pens, and knowledge all.

Good Luck in all you do and enjoy the good times that college gave you make sure to forget the few bad times, ohh and remeber allways respect SpellCheck!!!

Effort Is Needed To Enjoy Udolpho

After Volume I of The Mysteries of Udolpho, I found myself begging to get to the actual mysteries already. Volume I is so full of descriptions of mountains and plains and hills and such, and has so much bad poetry written by Emily, that it beings to get grating after a while. Emily's sentiments towards her father during and after his death are often punctuated by too much sobbing and drama; Mackenzie did a better job at eliciting emotions in The Man of Feeling, because he spent less time on describing emotions and more on describing the characters' dreadful conditions. Reading Volume II, I was almost tricked into believing it to be just like Volume I, except Emily was describing Italy instead of France. You literally have to read over two hundred pages before you get to the good stuff. The descriptions of the black veil and the mysteries surrounding it were expertly written; Radcliffe is aware that implied horror is better than physical horror. We are naturally more scared of something we don't know about than if we actually see something scary, which is why Radcliffe has Emily faint right after lifting the black veil. Forbidden staircases, Montoni's character, the possibility of murder; all this is way more exciting than Volume I. When we learn about a body believed to be a corpse by Emily and how it is actually a statue, we are brought back to reality, and it is a little disappointing. I almost wish Radcliffe had ended the novel without explaining anything, leaving her readers in suspense; the reality of Udolpho's mysteries are boring and take away from the terror we felt when Emily questioned everything in her lodgings. All in all, the actual mysteries in Udolpho make Radcliffe worth reading, I just wish she had gotten rid of two hundred pages of description and poetry and gotten right to the exciting stuff.

jane Austen

Catherine is one of my favorite characters that we have read this semester. She does what she is told yet she does what she believes in at the same time. She is very respectful of others when it comes to their feelings. She doesnt like to put anyone down. She loves to read which makes her different then our other characters. Pamela and Evelina were different from her. Pamela kept journals while Catherine read everyday. ALthough Catherine had a journal as well she didnt obsesses over it and write every detail and emotion down. Catherine was alot more independent then the other characters.

Northanger Abbey

I like the idea of a gothic novel; especially one written from the great Jane Austen. Northanger Abbey created a much different feeling from the other books we have read over the course of the semester. I liked the idea of placing 17 year old Catherine in a 17 year old world; she befriends Isabella and Isabella introduces Catherine to a social paradise (gossip, balls, etc). I was drawn to the fact that this novel had a connection to The Mysteries of Udolpho because I happened to enjoy that book very much. Where The Mysteries of Udolpho is a gothic novel, it seems to be that Northanger Abbey is a "gothic parody".

I enjoyed Northanger Abbey because I felt like some of the things that Catherine experienced weren't so out of the ordinary; relationship with Isabella, boy problems, etc. While some things were out of the ordinary, the emotion that the book creates seems more realistic then some of the other novels.

All those in favor of hating Isabella say I..

After reading Austen's Northanger Abbey, part of me couldn't help but feel as though the ending of the novel was rushed and cut straight through to the end. I yearned to find outmore about Eleanor and how she finally found the strength to go against her fathers words and marry. How did this suddenly come to be? Of all the heroine's we have read this semester Catherine is definitely my favorite! She is the typeof character that you can relate yourself to; she's depicted in a manner in which both her flaws and her intelligence identify who she is. Sadly, one of her flaws is attaching herself to Isabella, her "bestfriend". All along Isabella drops hints that she is deceiving and is simply going after James, but after reading the novel it seems to me that Catherine began to talk to Eleanor because of her attraction to Henry. Luckily they became the best of friends and held a healthy relationship... but Isabella onthe other hand; what a snob! Not only does she break of her engagement to her bestfriends brother, but she has the nerve of writing Catherine a letter asking her to speak to James and fix everything. Isabella represents one word -> DRAMA

Sweet Evelina

I really liked Evelina's character and I did not think that she seemed like a snob at all. I feel that she is a innocent girl who is curious about the world around her and wants to enjoy it and fall in love. I really enjoyed reading about all the ackward things that she said and did around Orville. I feel that it makes her a realistic character beacause we all act weird and do silly things around a person that we like and then we think about it and blame ourselves for acting so silly. I thought that this was a very adorable book and I am glad that she ended up with Orville. I enjoy reading books with happy endings like this one even if they are typical.

Marriage as the Ultimate Reward?

Throughout the semester I've been struck by the outcomes for the novels we've read and have concluded that a "good" marriage is the ultimate reward for the protagonists. With the exception of Crusoe and Harley, all of the characters ultimately achieve peace because they are secure in a good marriage.

I had hoped that Northanger Abbey would offer a different outcome, but it was not to be. Catherine is a fun, spunky heroine and finally we have a young woman who behaves realistically in response to her situation. Still, Austen does reflect the values of her time in that Catherine falls in love with an aristocrat and even if he is somewhat of an intellectual snob, the fact is, he's still the rich guy.

Austen's prose is easier to read than any of the authors and I enjoyed the novel. It reinforced my belief that these books support notions of class and don't empower the heroines to achieve independence. Given that women had few options to support themesleves, I suppose this is the best outcome one can expect.

Northanger Abbey

I find when authors take such clear steps to respond or point out aspects of other works which they dislike or disagree with detract from their own work. Such was my problem with many of the books we read this semester including Northanger Abbey. The effort Austen took in lets call it making fun of the gothic is many times unnecessary and hurt the book for me. These views are fine disguised in a conversation between Henry Tilney and Catherine and in instances like that, but that is the only time I wish to or can stand to read them. Nevertheless, Austen is easily forgiven for these little mistakes. Even in this early work of hers I experienced great enjoyment from certain aspects of her writing (such as the way she constructs her characters, for I find them to be very real) that she in later works perfects a T.

Austen's Intentions...

I really enjoyed the way Austen portrays Catherine. Catherine seems to me like a feminine, but who can stand her ground and is very different from the other women we have read about such as Emily and Evelina. I would have to say the period of which the book was written, Catherine comes off as a rebel. She talks back, stands up for herself, doesn’t think she knows everything, and knows what she wants and doesn’t want. But after all this she is still unable to see right through Isabella.

Isabella is the kind of woman, who reminds me of someone I know. She is manipulative, vindictive and is an evil person. Catherine although knows a lot but she still doesn’t know what kind of person Isabella really is. I mean she doesn’t even realize that all Isabella is trying to do is get to James but her decisions soon show that maybe she wasn’t so blind after all. Maybe Catherine realized that Isabella isn’t as good a friend to her as she claims she is, and thus her getting closer to Eleanor.

This novel seems like something that would happen this day and age. It just seems way too real to me. And I would have to say it has been the only novel that really shows us what it means to be a female. Catherine, although is smart and tries many different things is till wanting one thing and that is to get married. I don’t like the fact that by the end of the novel she has found someone who is not only on her level but someone richer and whop happens to be an aristocrat, Henry. Henry and Catherine were married, the bells rang and every body smiled;” (pg. 186). These lines were what made me think, “Wow what a typical love story”.
I wonder what Austens intentions were when she wrote this novel. Was she really describing the society that hse was living in? Or was she describing the society, who acted a certain way but were really feeling this way? I mean after all every author write somewhat of a based true story, but not fully true. I just felt like this novel may have even been based on her life or at least the life that she wanted to live. LIke Catherine's maybe.

Catherine Learns to Read

As much as Catherine loves to read books, she's really bad at reading PEOPLE. I think the point that Austen was trying to make is that novels should be read, and they should be read wisely, just as people should be read. Catherine takes everything for face value, the people she meets as well as the stories she reads. That's why she naively allows herself to fall into her fanciful thoughts about the Abbey being this houser of secrets.

She doesn't recognize that James and Isabella are flirting with each other until she's hit over the head with the news, and she naively believes that Isabella is "unknowingly" flirting with Henry's brother. She doesn't realize just how manipulative Isabella is. She also has no idea how to be manipulative herself. While she does seek out a friendship with Elanor, she doesn't do it with the kind of motives that Isabella had in befriending her. She also has no idea how to hide her feelings and Eleanor is able to read her feelings for Henry like a book.

It's Henry that has to teach Catherine how to read books and people properly. It is only after she's been "instructed" by him that she begins to see the motives of the people around her. This kind of bothers me a bit, because I don't like that Henry is this teaching figure for Catherine. I wouldn't mind it otherwise, but I just find Henry kind of pompous with the way he presents
his intelligence and point of view.

Hooray for Austen and Northanger Abbey!

Now here's a heroine I can get to like. Catherine is so unlike every other heroine we've read this semester; and it is her uniqueness that makes her so appealing. She doesn't mind rolling down hills are going out after it rains, even though the streets are dirty. Heroines like Evelina and Emily wouldn't stand even the slightest speck of dirt on their gowns; I thought I'd never read about a down-to-earth girl, but here's Catherine. Catherine also doesn't excel in anything particular; she tries many things, like music and drawing, but gives up on them when she realizes it's not for her. I admire someone who recognizes their faults and doesn't strive to be someone they're not. Austen's portrayals of Isabella and Mrs. Allen are also a departure from what we'd expect from an eighteenth century novel. Instead of being an idol that the heroine strives to imitate, Isabella is constantly talking about vapid things and her friendship to Catherine seems very insincere; she's just using her to get to James. I'm glad Catherine sees through her and values her friendship with Eleanor more than her friendship with Isabella. And instead of Mrs. Allen being a cruel relative that takes Catherine away from her friends and threatens to do her harm, she is totally harmless, and her conversations always consist of her talking about nothing of real importance. And kudos to Austen for making John such a klutz. Instead of being a man of bad intentions like Mr. B or Sir Clement, John is an anti-hero to laugh at. He boasts of his horses being better than everyone else's and being able to travel to many places in a short period of time, yet all his boasting is proven to be nothing but empty air. Thank God Catherine doesn't fall for him and realizes that he lacks substance and is a general jackass for lying to her and making up excuses for her so that he can be around her more often. Even Henry is likable for daring to assert his superiority in intellect over women and being able to converse with Catherine on things like language; I'm not saying it's right that he considers himself better than the ladies, it's just that it's such a departure from the other heroes we have read about, who seem so dull and unexciting compared to him. I'm just glad we are reading an author at the end of the semester that feels free to poke fun at almost all the heroes, heroines, and other characters in the books we have read previously.

Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey was by far the best book of this semester. The actions of the heroine, Catherine, were those that closely portrayed what we could expect to happen in reality. Just like Evelina, Catherine had desires, dreams, and made mistakes in her social behavior. However, the difference between Northanger Abbey and Evelina was Austen's decision to include elements of the gothic novel. I thought the character's criticism of literary works that were contemporary at that time (i.e. Radcliffe's Mysteries of Udolpho)was a refreshing way to inform readers of the author's knowledge of other literary works. When assessing this novel it would seem that it is part mock-Gothic and the other part an example of a good novel. Austen's point of view on the novel genre is also plain to see in this book. I find that such direct statements and criticisms that the authors interject in their novels is an easier and refreshing way for readers to fully understand the author's intent.

Finally, A Real Heroine!

I know I have said this for the past three books, but "Northanger Abbey" is my favorite book we have read this semester. I really enjoyed the mix of parody and a more classic heroine story. The most refreshing part of the book was to finally see a real heroine. By that I mean a heroine that is neither inactive, defenseless or a victim: a heroine who stands up for what she believes in. The scene that shows this the most is when John Thorpe has lied to Tilneys about Catherine being unavailable to go on a walk, and instead of just berating John, she runs after the Tilneys to tell them she is available. The fact Catherine physically does something to change her circumstance was very refreshing. I also enjoyed that even with the tomboyish description in the beginning, Catherine is never portrayed as not being feminine. Austen shows that being strong and feminine is not a contradiction (unlike the other strong female characters we have seen this semester like Madame Duval).
Another aspect of the story that I found unique was that not everyone ended up happily ever after. Catherine does not act as an advocate for Isabella and James and Isabella do not end up together. I couldn't believe a situation that would happen in reality was put in the book (as far as Isabella flirting with James' brother and the engagement being broken off).
The main reason I appreciated "Northanger Abbey" was because it acted as a final piece in the development of the heroine we have seen this semester. From book to book the heroine has almost always become more empowered. The one exception (and I find this very logical) is that the female authors we have read tend to create more empowered heroines than the male authors. Richardson was theoretically close, but ruined it by taming Pamela in the last third of the book.

The Mysteries of Udolpho

The beginning of The Mysteries of Udolpho revolve completely around nature. The beginning made me think of when I took Pastoral Literature a while ago and we learned about the Bucolics. It seemed so quiet and serene and a relaxing place to be. The first part of the book is relaxing, the second part of the novel introduces us to Emily's isolation. Her move to Udolpho changes the feel of the book. When the description of the room is spoken about we are able to see how different of a mood is created; isolated, door locked from the outside hinting at being a prisoner, etc. The staircase was creepy; it represents mystery of the unknown. The house in general is mysterious and a complete 360 degree change from page 1 of the novel.

I liked the character of Emily because she isn't vulnerable; she doesn't let her guard down. At the same time though, she seemed a bit "head in the clouds" when she doesn't understand the threats being made represented by her room; if I was placed in a bedroom like Emily's, I would leave so quickly. I am not one for horror movies or novels. I didn't find this novel to be horrific, it was more thrilling then anything. I enjoyed reading an 18th century novel of a different genre.

What About the Mystery of (Emily's) Nature?

Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho brings something new to 18th century literature in that its underlying tale of romance is seeped in gothic mystery. And Emily as heroine presents a new spin on "type" as well, for her spirituality is interwined with the majesty of nature; she does not "preach" one particular code of piety. The way in which she relates to a higher power brings the reader comfortably along for the ride, unlike Pamela, as it keeps its reader as hostage clanking his/her chains along to the author's single definition of rigid adherence to spirituality.

Radcliffe makes mistakes in the new genre. Her use of "starts and stops" in her attempt to heighten the mystery serves to frustrate the reader more than elevate his/her curiosity. And all the characters are not fleshed out enough, as they take second place to the pastoral descriptions that flow ad nauseum on page after page. No matter which room Emily is in, it is what is outside the window that Radcliffe takes all the time to describe, and describe, and describe. Rather than paint a picture in words about every leaf that flutters before Emily's eyes as part of a luminescent tapestry of woven majesty upon the earth, Radcliffe needs to flesh out the mysteries of Emily's nature. Nature, as phenomena of the physical world, is the main character in the novel (with Emily relegated to sidekick) - and that's what isn't new to 18th century literature.

Northanger Abbey

I’ve read Northanger Abbey many times, and while I couldn’t help but notice Austen's satire of the gothic novel and her criticism of the extreme femininity of heroines, I never really paid too much attention to it. My knowledge of the gothic novel and the traditional behavior of heroines in the 18^th century came simply from Austen’s comments about them. Therefore, I just found her comments to be amusing, and didn’t think much more beyond that factor. Now, I have a greater appreciation for Northanger, a book I used to just consider as Austen’s lightest, youngest and most amusing book to read. When reading Evelina I remember being very confused about Mr. Villars letter to Evelina, telling her that she was in love with Lord Orville. I believe in my blog post for Evelina, I commented about that letter trying to make sense of Evelina’s not already knowing that very obvious point. I only really understood the letter, however, when we discussed it in class. When Professor Nadell mentioned that women were not suppose to fall in love with men until they were proposed to by them, a passage from Northanger clicked in my mind, and for the first time I fully understood what Austen meant by it. The passage I’m referring to is in Chapter XV (Vol. II) where Henry Tilney’s motivation for falling in love with Catherine is mentioned. Austen writes, “…I must confess that his affection originated in nothing better than gratitude, or, in other words, that a persuasion of her partiality for him had been the only cause of giving her a serious thought. It is a new circumstance in romance, I acknowledge, and dreadfully derogatory of a heroine’s dignity; but if it be as new in common life, the credit of a wild imagination will be at least be all my own.” Not only was Catherine’s love for Henry Tilney obvious, it was what initiated Henry’s love for her. It’s just great how Austen points out the ridiculousness of certain feminine conventions through her heroine.

Thank You Austen!

I feel like I say this about every novel that we've read, but seriously Austen's Northanger Abbey is my favorite. I appreciate the fact that Austen satarizes virtually everything that annoyed me about the other novels we've read. I loved Burney, but she was still somewhat afraid to be unconventional. Unlike Burney, Austen had no problem with her heroine realizing that she's in love before the man has declared his love first. Also, I love the fact that Catherine tries to turn the abbey into a haunted house because she is influenced by the Gothic novels that she enjoys reading. The scene where she goes to see the room that Eleanor's mother died in is hysterical. Instead of being a dark and haunted room, it is actually a bright room with lovely furniture. It's refreshing to read a novel that breaks all of the rules of society, but still manages to be more than just a parody of other works. Austen created a genuine heroine who I was cheering for the entire time, and I'm glad that she ends up with Henry in the end.

Un-mysterious Udolpho

Although The Mysteries of Udolpho is a nice book, rich with the description of pastoral settings and dark haunts, to me, it completely lacks mystery. While Radcliffe’s novel is revolutionary to Gothic literature, it follows the same 18th-century conventions we have been studying, and in my opinion, was devoid imagination. Like any of the heroines we have read about, Emily is beautiful (Evelina/ Pamela/ Sophia) and has had horrible injustices inflicted upon her (Evelina/ Pamela). She is moral, but she is sensitive and overdramatic—swooning a good deal (how stereotypical female!).
The Gothic horror, while at first well done, lost momentum as Radcliffe explained all the ‘mysteries’ that had taken place to a T—and the end result was simply too neat. While Radcliffe is famous for her terror inducing novel, I walked away with my head floating with pleasant pastoral scenes, instead.
Because all the mysteries are solved so anti-climactically, what stood out to me was the need to moderate sensibility—and approach problems with logic. This call for emotional restraint is prominent as St. Aubert warns Emily, “Above all... do not indulge in the pride of fine feeling, the romantic error of amiable minds. Those who really possess sensibility ought early to be taught that it is a dangerous quality, which is continually extracting the excess of misery or delight from every surrounding circumstance.” Because Emily so often succumbs to sensibility, she is highly superstitious, and constantly falls victim to her own curiosity.

The Mysteries of Udolpho, perfectly well answered...

I won’t lie; I really didn’t enjoy the book much. I felt like Radcliffe made it seem like there are all these mysteries but then she tells us all the reasons behind all the mysteries and it just seems like it was placed there for a reason. I just feel like she should have left some a mystery to us because now everything seems like a fact and logical. The novel as a whole seemed mysteries but yet annoying but I figured as we kept reading the book she should have at least not have left everything to be answered at the end of the novel. It was like this is a mystery and that is a mystery and another one, and another once again, but hey we come towards the end of the novel and oh look all your answers are going to be answered one by one.
Also I didn’t really enjoy the whole gothic aspect of the book. I know during that period they didn’t have such novels and this was something new and refreshing but it didn’t seem that way to me when I was reading it.
I felt like it was so typical and the whole storyline between Emily and Valancourt is just what we have been reading for the past couple of months. It just seems like all these women are always ending up with the guys that they want and its this whole love story and it just doesn’t seem real to me. I am seriously getting annoyed by all these fairytales. It is like for the Love of GOD just shut the hell up already. How much more of this do we have to take?
Overall, I guess by the end of the novel it pays off to have read all the mysteries because now we have all the answers. Some would say that Radcliffe made a good decision by connecting the entire novel. In my opinion I find that to be boring. It should have been the people we least expect it, like the song being sung in the castle, or who is outside of Emily’s window. I did enjoy Emily as a character though. She seemed really interesting and a little different than the other characters but yet still the same. Except the fainting part, that was a bit annoying, I wanted to mention that in class as well.

Evelina

I enjoyed Evelina by Frances Burney. To me, Evelina symbolized the idea of a "modern" woman. Evelina's actions might come off slightly like those of a snob, but I didn't think so. For example, when she gets asked to dance, she replies; "I'm already dancing with someone else" because she didn't want to say no, to not be rude, and she couldn't say yes because it was frowned upon to dance with a gentleman you didn't know. Evelina isn't a snob, if she was, she would have replied, "No" in a snobbish manner. Instead she chose to take the middle ground and just reply that she already has someone to dance with. The character of Evelina could be described as inexperienced, beautiful girl, etc and while those are true, there are many additional descriptions as well.

The story of Evelina is a journey from girlhood to womanhood. She has many obstacles in her way; lack of a father, naiveness of the world, etc. Evelina goes above and beyond the obstacles and comes out on top; she marries Lord Orville. Evelina was a take charge character and we, as the readers, were able to clearly see that.

Harley is truely "The Man of Feeling"

I can definitely see why Mackenzie titled this novel "The Man of Feeling." Harley is so open with his emotions. He is such a sensitive character and what is so surprising about this is the fact that men are usually not so sensitive. In fact, most of them do not like showing their emotions. Harley is completly different in this aspect. I especially liked the passage on pages 25-27, when Harley was deeply saddened by the young woman's story of losing her true love, Billy. He weeped with the sorrow woman as he looked at her grusome face and listened with great concern to her deeply touching story. Harley is not afraid to shed his tears. Even after the woman left Harley with the ring and ran away, he burst into tears. I have never heard of such a sensitive, caring and emotional man. I give him a lot of credit for being so open and understanding to other's hardships and miseries.

I absolutely loved the clean break Austen creates with the 18th century novel in Northanger Abbey. Austen's heroine, Catherine Morland, is only an "almost attractive" girl--wholly imperfect in comparison to her female counterparts of Pamela, and Tom Jones , for instance. Catherine is such a refreshing take on what we have witnessed to be the tradition female role. She is confident, sassy, and aware of social standards. It is also important to note that she comes into an awareness of herself within high society by the end of the novel-- discovering its ills, and coming to value her own moral judgment. At times, the satire on the Gothic novel also made me laugh out loud--with Henry Tilney's description of what awaits Catherine at Northanger Abbey. Where she expects to find the terrors she has been trained to in her reading of The Mysteries of Udolpho, Catherine is gravely disappointed and embarrassed by her foolishness. Although she lets her imagination run in Northanger Abbey, Catherine was at least partially correct in her judgment of General Tilney. While no supernatural Gothic scares await her in the Abbey, Catherine discovers an entirely new level of terror-- the greed and ambition that guides General Tilney's regard for her. Although a satire on the Gothic novel, Austen brings Gothic elements to an entirely new level: breaking from the supernatural--to the natural and complex motivations which all humans can relate to.

Udolfo and the never ending mysteries

What I found frustrating about Udolfo was the seemingly never ending mysteries. We waited a long time to find out who was playing the lute at the fishing house, and it seemed like we waited forever to find out who was playing the same song at the castle. It felt like Radcliffe was trying to create as many open ended possibilites as possible, what was behind the vail? Who was playing the lute and writing the poems at the fishing house in Languedoc? Where was Vallencourt all that time? Of course all of the mysteries were solved at the end, exactly what I was afraid of! As the questions were piling up and the pages running low, I was concerned that everything was going to be tied up in a perfect package at the end, and it seems my worries were grouned.

I enjoyed Udolfo very much, I would place it second in line to Robinson Crusoe which I would say was my favorite of the semsester, and I have to wonder if the reason I enjoyed Crusoe so much was becaue of it's lack of emphasis on doing the right thing socially. I can't help but wonder if the reason I enjoyed these novels so much was because it wasn't trying to influence my own behavior as much as the other books!

Odd Udolpho

The Mysteries of Udolpho is an out-of-the-ordinary read. This assessment, in itself, is not a negative, but makes the book hard to define. Book I struck me as a romance in the slightly typical girl meets boy, falls in love, can’t have boy, kind of way. What makes the story exciting is Radcliff’s writing, which is rich, descriptive, and free from cliché. Seen through Emily’s eyes, or the eyes of her companions, the images of the landscapes take on the feel of detailed paintings and, while they can get tedious, the descriptions are in and of themselves such a beautiful use of language they almost take on the feeling of poetry.
In Book II, the story secures its reputation as a gothic novel with the requisite creepy castle and unexplained happenings, and then reverts back to something else, which I haven’t yet figured out how to characterize. When the book wraps up, I feel sure the genre will be another framework entirely. As a whole, though, I haven’t found this approach to feel disjointed, but rather Radcliff succeeds in making the whole greater than the sum of the parts. I would really love the book if it were not for one fairly obtrusive sticking point. What I find hard to digest is Emily’s complete adoration of Valencourt. He is just so… and I struggle to find the proper highbrow literary term… icky. I find him so cloying and whiney and so, so sensitive. I am all for am man that is in touch with his feelings, but a little backbone can be a sexy component as well. This one factor distances me from the love story element because I find it hard to reconcile the intensity of Emily’s feelings with the over-sentimentality of Valencourt. This is the essence of why love is indefinable: it speaks to each person individually.
In the introduction, The Mysteries of Udolpho is referred to as “sheer capricious strangeness,” and I think this defines the book perfectly. For all these peculiar reasons, this book has been the most fun to read this semester, and I look forward to seeing what Austen will bring to it in Northanger Abbey.

Impressions on Udolpho

I also found the first part of Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho to be a tiring read. It seemed that descriptions of the "pastoral valley" in the "shade of the cliffs, with flocks and herd loitering along the banks of a rivulet, that refreshed it with perpetual green," were endless (p. 49). However, as Emily journeys to Udoplho, the mood of the novel shifted to one of intrigue and mystery. The descriptions now were important in understanding the plot, and they helped build anticipation and suspense.

*Note: on p. 49 St. Aubert talks about virtue, which caught my attention as Pamela is always on my mind. "Virtue and taste are nearly the same, for virtue is little more than active taste, and the most delicate affections of each combine in real love."

Evelina: Echoes of Pamela

As I was reading Evelina, I was reminded somewhat of Pamela. OK, so the letter style is obvious, but that is not what I mean. I noticed that Evelina, especially after meeting her grandmother, was desirous to return home to Villars, just like Pamela was when she found out about Mr. B's intentions. And Villars desperately wanted Evelina home, like Pamela's dad. I find it sad in these two books that circumstances do not allow the heroines to return to their families, and their simple lives; instead they grow used to high society and become different people than when they left in the first place. Just seeing the letters never changing locations is a bit disheartening. But Evenlina is better than Pamela, I think. Evelina is not always depressed and on her knees praying to God like Pamela is. She is also funnier and more likable. Even after she's learned about the outside world, her story is more interesting than Pamela's. I think she's stronger than Pamela anyhow; if Orville was a rapist, I bet she would have run away. And marrying Orville? I didn't mind that at all. Sure, he wasn't the most social of characters and hardly said anything, but you could tell by Evelina's impressions of him that he was a real gentleman, and in any case, was definitely no Mr. B. He was also way better than Willoughby; he came off to me as rather foolish and always desirous of people having a high opinion of him. I don't think he would have made a good husband for Evelina; he seemed rather too vain.

Man of Feeling -vs- Woman of Feeling...

The title, Man of Feeling is significant. The term "a man of feeling" is contradicting in relation to the typical 18th century male. Just based on the other novels that we have read, Harley is different from the other male characters. He is emotional and it is seen throughout the novel. His emotions aren't held back. Usually, females were the overly emotional characters and Mackenzie goes above and beyond that stereotype through his writing. Books like that could have created a new genre, the powerful female -vs- the man in touch with his "sensitive" side. Reading this novel made me think of The Rover by Aphra Behn. She was one of the most famous female writers of her time and she wrote beyond the standard; women didn't just sit back and take orders from men, they manipulated men, they tricked men, etc... Just like, Man of Feeling, Behn broke the mold. The title alone, Man of Feeling, helps the reader know what to expect. The title creates questions because how could there be a man who is lead by his feelings? If Mackenzie chose to write A Woman of Feeling, he would have stuck to the standard of the times. Mackenzie decided to change it up a bit and the story is a success. I enjoyed reading a story that wasn't "typical".

The "only thing we have to fear is fear itself"

"The Mysteries of Udolpho" is unequivocally my favorite book we have read so far (assuming Volume IV is as good as Volumes I-III). The novel is unusual, entertaining and fast paced. Radcliffe has (unlike some of the authors we have read this semester) created a heroine that definitely deserves the name (even considering all of her fainting spells). This is also the first book we have read this semester where I haven't been able to predict the ending midway through the novel (though a good guess would be that Emily and Valancourt will end up together).
One of my favorite parts of the book is the style. For example, the way Radcliffe introduces Count De Villefort before bringing Emily back to Languedoc. Radcliffe has this wonderful way of arranging her novel in a way in which things that do not appear to connect at first eventually collide. The only part of the book that bothers me is Radcliffe's fascination with scenery (which can often become tedious to read through and sometimes kills the tension for me). Another thing that I love about the style is the mixing of genres. Volume I gives the book the appearance of a traditional love story, while Volume II makes the novel look like a mystery. Volume III brings Emily away from Udolpho and back to reality, though elements of mystery still exist (and love is no longer a given). The up and down of the plot is much like a rollercoaster (though I hate that cliché) and I can't wait to see where Volume IV takes me.
This brings me to the Gothic aspect of the book (which I have grown to appreciate). After Volume II, I thought I was in for a mystery or detective story. However, Radcliffe only uses the Gothic element as a cover for deeper issues. It is only a facade, which allows for plot development and for Radcliffe to constantly bring the human condition of fear into the fray. In fact, throughout the novel it's as if Emily is living in two worlds: day and night: reality and dream. This (which I just realized while typing) reminds me of "Pan's Labyrinth" (one of the best films I have seen in the past few years if not ever). Both Radcliffe and Guillermo del Toro blend reality and dream to a point where you cannot decipher one from the other anymore and you start to question which is scarier. Is an unknown enemy or fear more terrifying than a known one? Do we create imagined fears to cope with the ones that exist in reality? In the end, is there even a difference between imagined and tangible fears or as FDR said, is the "only thing we have to fear is fear itself?" The beauty of Radcliffe’s novel is that it is not about mystery or love; it is about fear.

Evelina: Same Ol' Ending

I enjoyed "Evelina" in a few different respects. Like "Pamela," Burney's novel is based on a letter format, however, unlike "Pamela" the novel is not didactic and uses its format to pace itself and move the plot forward in an entertaining and engrossing way. Evelina is also a likeable character and does not share any of Pamela's often redundant and grating characteristics. Overall, the book was one of the most entertaining we have read so far.
I do have some gripes with the novel however. Like "Tom Jones" I found the ending to be a little too convenient. I understand the constraints of the time period that the book was written in and that having Evelina end up with Lord Orville was probably the most logical ending that could take Evelina out of harms way, but it didn't satisfy me. I should say, it didn't satisfy the intellectual side of me (since my emotional side did find it gratifying to see Evelina end up with Orville). I guess what ticks up off the most about the ending is the continual way in which the heroines are represented throughout the novels we have read so far this semester. No matter what they are always defined by the man they end up with (who is usually wealthy). As a female author, I guess I expected a little more from Burney. To be honest, for much of the novel I hoped her love interest would end up being Mr. Macartney (before you find out they are related). An ending of that nature would have had many more interesting possibilities than the textbook Evelina + Orville=Happiness.

The Mysteries Of Udolpho

Radcliffe's wonderful depictions of nature in, The Mysteries Of Udolpho, can become quite boring after a while. I kept trying to rush passed it; but then i realized that this was not the way the novel is suppose to be read. The author does this for a reason; in order for the audience to escape and relax from their hectic everyday lives. I think we take too many things for granted in life; and her description of the landscape makes the reader appreciate nature and all the beautiful sceneries we ignore.
I absolutely LOVE the suspense in the novel; it's quite different then all the other books we have read in class. Throughout the semester I felt as though the endings of the novels we read weren't shocking. In fact I'm pretty sure half the class guessed that each character was going to end up within a stable environment in which they not only obtained wealth, but ended up exactly where they wanted to be and with the person they longed to be with. I felt that many of the endings were too much of a cliche, but in this novel, I can't guess what will happen at the end.. And I think that's why I'm enjoying it so much. I find it interesting that Radcliffe choses to make Montoni, the cruel and violent figure in the novel, a handsome powerful and forceful character. Valancourt is overpowered by Emily, but he signifies the safe and secure type; while Montoni represents the "bad boy".

Lack of Mystery in Udolpho

Despite Radcliffe's endless descriptions of the breathtaking scenery, this novel is intriguing up until the point when all of the mystery is given a logical explanation. I feel that the explanations ruin the story because the eeriness and mystery is what kept me interested. Once I found out that the creepy apparition outside of Emily's window is actually Du Pont, the story seems more like a Scooby-Doo episode than a Gothic novel. I'm also a little disappointed to find out that the creepy Chateau-le-Blanc from earlier is actually a house with the average family living in it. I had certain expectations for this narrative, and for a while Radcliffe was satisfying them. I'm not saying that I wanted every mystery to remain unsolved or turn out to be supernatural, but I feel she could have done a better job keeping up the suspense. Now I'm worried because I still have part 4 to read, and I'm afraid it might not hold my attention the way parts 1, 2, and 3 did. I'm sure the music will turn out to be a peasant or Valancourt, and that the Marchioness in the picture will have an anticlimatic explanation as well. Also, maybe it's just me, but it seems as if Radcliffe only has the same four or five characters running throughout the novel, she just changes their names. The characters are either goodnatured and have a love for nature and poetry, or they dislike nature and are coldhearted and only care about material wealth. Although there's nothing wrong with having similar characters, some of her characters are so alike that they seem as if they are the same person with a different name.

Evelina: You want...what?

This book definitely set itself apart from the books we read before it. Being the first one of our readings to be authored by a woman, I felt that it offered us a more realistic portrayal of young girls in this time. In Pamela, all the main character thought about was her virtue. In Shamela, it was sex. But in Evelina we see some of the private desires of a young girl: to feel a sense of belonging, to join the “in” crowd, and to catch the favorable attention of a handsome guy.
While I agree that this book is something of an instruction manual for young girls, I can’t help but feel that it was also something of a critique of society at the time. I feel that this was maybe the true purpose of Burney’s novel but she “pulled her punches” a bit because perhaps she was afraid of criticism. The humorous situations that Evelina gets herself stuck in and the spats between the Captain and Madame Duval show just how improper society really was under all that pretentiousness. Even the petty acts of Mr. Lovel represent just how unforgiving this world is to the smallest mistakes.
There were times in this novel where I felt like Evelina was being hunted down like a naive deer by those that are more experienced with worldly matters, Sir Clement, Mr. Lovel, even Madame Duval seem to exploit her lack of social grace. And after all the trouble Evelina gets herself into, I wondered whether it was all worth it.
I’m really tempted to include this excerpt from a song called “Why You’d Want to Live Here” by Death Cab for Cutie which reminds me of this novel:

“It's a lovely summer's day
I can almost see a skyline through a thickening shroud of egos.
Is this the city of angels or demons?
And here the names are what remain: stars encapsulate the golden lame
and they need constant cleaning for when the tourists begin salivating.
And I can't see why you'd want to live here.
Billboards reach past the tallest buildings,
You can't swim in a town this shallow
because you will most assuredly drown tomorrow.”

It seems like something Mr. Villars would say to Evelina, or something even I would say to her because after all of the emotional anguish and embarrassment of her time in London society, all she really gets is a guy. And sure, Lord Orville is this amazingly polite and caring guy, not to mention rich and popular. But to be completely honest, he really doesn’t have any reason to like her other than the fact that she’s really beautiful. But hey, he must have had some deeper feeling for her than that because he sees her screw up so many times and still likes her. But after all of that headache, she gets...married. Forgive me for not leaping for joy here, but doesn’t that all just mean NEW social interactions that she’ll need to master as Lord Orville’s wife, and that she may very well screw up just as badly as she did this one? Does anyone else feel like Evelina got ripped off in this deal?

Not Feeling Like the Man of Feeling

I also found myself thinking about how Harley was different from the contemporary standard of the ideal man. Today, these men are portrayed as the "strong silent type." Strength is in not being affected by the unfairness of the world, in not crying, even for one's own grief, let alone those of other people.

Harley is drawn towards marginalized people, he is unafraid of feeling strong emotions and is constantly making himself vulnerable to them. One of my favorite quotes in this novel is when he says “[T]o calculate the chances of deception is too tedious a business for the life of man ” (P.41) I connected with Harley in this moment (one of very few I have to admit) because I know what it's like to feel frustrated because you just want to live your life instead of worrying about who you should trust and who you shouldn't. For Harley, feeling is easier, and more natural than forcing himself not to feel. Harley gives so much of himself that he does so at a loss to himself. It's his unwavering kindness and almost complete disregard for himself that gets him so sick.

I don't think Mackenzie did a very good job of making me as a reader to want to be like Harley. For the one thing, it was difficult for me to really identify with all of the crying. It's true that if I was in those situations and I met these people, I'd probably cry. Maybe if this was a well made movie and I could better imagine these people, I might be more moved to tears. But aside from the emotional effect, while I admire Harley, I'm not moved to be like him because of the book. Mackenzie didn't really show me a benefit of being like Harley. I feel a religious obligation to be somewhat like Harley, but that had nothing to do with this book.

man of feeling

Mackenzie did a marvelous job in depicting that men are just as emotional as women are. Many guys find it difficult to show their emotions and express how they feel; but that doesn't mean that they don't have a gut feeling about situations. While reading Man Of Feeling, I felt as though I was a part of each storyline presented through each section. Mackenzie's words drew me and brought out all of my emotions [whether I wanted the author to or not.] I believe that our feelings determine our choices in life; just like Harley's did. He was the type of character who followed his heart rather than his mind which can fill a person's head with negativity.

Tom Jones

Although Tom Jones was a lengthy read, I greatly enjoyed the storyline and learning about each characters flaws and values. What I enjoyed most was the ways in which the author presented characters of both the upper and lower class.Characters of both social classes were depicted as thieves and liars. Those of the upper class who obtain wealth yearn for more money and power; and those who suffer in the lower class will do anything to help their family get by. Neither class was placed on a pedestal; but Fielding characterizes those of the upper class as being constantly greedy for more of what they already have. Personally, I felt that Fielding sympathized more with the lower class by creating a character like Black George. Although his actions upon stealing five hundred pounds fromTom is wrong; we can't help but be sympathetic towards him because we are introduced to the poverty he and his family are living in. The more Fielding describes Black George; the reader can't help but be forgiving towards him. But when a character like Bliful is introduced to the readers, and is known to be cruel towards Tom, I couldn't help but hate him. The fact that Bliful ponders over how much money Allworthy will leave behind for him, made me dislike him even more. I couldnt stand almost all the characters of the upper class in this novel, because instead of helping those in need; they only wanted to help themselves by gaining wealth.

Evelina

I absolutely love Burney's "Evelina". It reminds me of a soap opera; there's always something dramatic going on, there's a love story, and there are characters that always go at it with eachother. I can't help but laugh at the relationship between Madam Duval and the Captain. They're both so cruel to eachother; yet for some odd reason I can't help but like Duval and hate the Captain. The fact that he's so threatening and disrespectful to women disgusts me. True, there are times in which Duval deserves to be yelled at and put in her place; but I don't think either of these characters have to degrade themselves by spitting at eachother and threatening to hit the other. Lord Orville is my favorite character. Although he doesn't really say much in the book, his actions and his character in and of itself to me represent the most perfect man! ... Sadly there is no such thing as the perfect man [nor the perfect woman] but if there was such a thing, Lord Orville would be it! He reminds me of Mcdreamy from Grey's Anatomy. As for Evelina, i greatly disagree with those who say she's a snob. Just because she's embarrassed by her cousins when being accompanied withthem in the theater doesn't make her a snob. I'm pretty sure everyone's felt that way before when someone in their familyhas done something embarrassing; I know I have. And just because she refused to dance with a man of the upper class at her first party,doesn't make her a snob either! Maybe we keep thinking about how disrespectful it was because of the time period the novel takes place in. Nowadays if a creepy looking guy asks you to dance at a club, you pretend you don't speak English or that you have a boyfriend! Overall, this has definitely been my favorite book we have read this semester.

Chosen People

I realized I never got a chance to comment on Robinson Crusoe, so in order not to totally bore you all, I found a way to relate it to “The Mysteries of Udolpho” because of a particular passage that I found very interesting.
On page 47-48, Emily has a spiritual moment while she is sitting by herself, staring out at the landscape before her. The author describes her ascension to a higher plane of devotion in this moment. “Such devotion as can, perhaps, only be experienced, when the mind, rescued, for a moment, from the humbleness of earthly considerations, aspires to contemplate His power in the sublimity of His works, and His goodness in the infinity of His blessings.”
This makes me think about how Defoe made it so that Crusoe’s shipwreck became a spiritually purging experience. The shipwreck and all of the struggles that Crusoe went through were punishment for his disrespect of his parents. But through his repentance and his remembrance of God throughout his island-stranded life, he was able to redeem himself. God “chose” Crusoe to be freed from material considerations by putting him on the island, enabling him to reach this higher state of worship. All Crusoe could think about that whole time was God’s might, will, bounty and beneficence as he struggled to survive.
It’s as if Defoe is making it so that Crusoe is the head of a new kind of chosen people. I don’t have much experience with the Biblical versions of the stories I know from the Quran (although I’ve been told that the narrations are very similar) but it sort of reminds me of the people of the prophets, especially those of Moses who suffered on Earth, perhaps for their prior sins, but were promised Heaven if they persisted in their true worship. In this sense, Defoe makes Crusoe like one of these people who suffers hardships to redeem himself from his sins but because of his faith he is rewarded by money.
Perhaps Defoe was trying to say that the people who were like Crusoe (the middle class) were the chosen ones for wealth in this life and the hereafter if they persisted in their worship.

Money v.s. Love

The Mysteries of Udolpho shows us that money isn't always important for love. Emily falls in love with Valancourt while on a trip with her father going to Switzerland. Valancourt thinks that he is not good enough for her because he doesn't have any wealth. Emily used to be wealthy before her mother and father died. For a while she wasnt wealthy and I feel that it didnt annoy her. Emily truely loved Valancourt and even when she had moved away she still was faithful. I feel that Emily didn't need the money to make her happy. She saw that she was already happy with him and money wasnt a priorty. But in the end she ends up with both wealth and the man she loves. I believe the story ends like this because she was not money hungary. She was just a regular girl trying to find her place in society. After her parents died she found her place with Valancourt.

I love Evelina!!

This has to be my favorite book that we have read in this class. Evelina reminds me of myself. She is beautiful, self independent and does everything she wants and doesnt listen to society. Evelina's beauty and her social status attract every men she becomes in contact with. They are all mezmired by her beauty. Another thing I love about her is the fact that she disobeys society. She reminds me of people that stand up for what they believe in. She was a nobody and became a some body. Her letters help us undertand her favorite parts of life. The letters also show us her ups and downs. I love the way that it was written in letter form because you felt like you were breaking into someones diay.

The Man of Feeling V.S. Womens feelings

Everyone knows that men are the last to admit to being emotional or intouched with their inner side. Women admit their emotions all the time with no problem. For some reason men find this difficult. It is nice to see that this novel " The man of feeling" portray a different effect on men and their emotions. I also find this story to be very sentimetal with a man's feelings. Most men don't talk about how they feel when things happen to them. Maybe in a few life times will you see a grown man cry or even admit to his feelings. The author of this novel makes the story line seem as if the man was a woman. He is so expressive with everything he does.

The Black Veil

When I saw on our reading list at the beginning of the semester that we’d be reading The Mysteries of Udolpho followed by Northanger Abbey I was really excited, because ever since I first read Northanger I felt that I had to read Udolpho together with Northanger at some point in my life, but I never yet had the opportunity. When I started reading Udolpho for class I had trouble taking the book seriously because I kept on being reminded of scenes from Northanger which didn’t help me perceive the book as serious, sine Austen satires the gothic in her novel. Therefore, at some really melodramatic romantic or scary scenes I couldn’t keep from laughing. However, after last night’s reading I can say that I’ve officially become really caught up in the book. One of the reasons why I have always wanted to read Udolpho was because ever since Catherine Morland (the heroine of Northanger) mentioned the black veil I have always had this insane curiosity to find out what was behind it. So I have literally waited for years to find out what was behind that veil, and last night I thought at long last the secret will be revealed to me… But no, Emily who only had to wonder for one night what was behind that veil was able to easily discover what was behind it, while I still have to keep on waiting. Deep down I knew that such a sudden discovery was too good to be true.
Another result of having read Northanger numerous times is that I’m constantly intensely wondering about certain miniscule details that I really shouldn’t be. For example, when Emily first arrives at Udolpho she simply puts out her books and paintings on a chest. Once I read that I was like what’s in the chest, is she going to open the chest, will something really scary pop out of the chest? But she does absolutely nothing with the chest, which is really frustrating (Catherine Morland really puts her snooping to shame). Now I can’t keep from wondering if there is ever going to be anything in the chest or am I just a crazy person behaving like Catherine Morland?

Extremely late blog on Tom Jones....

When I think of Tom Jones by Henry Fielding, the word "morality" comes to mind. Many 18th century plays and novels trigger the word often in my mind but Tom Jones revolves around the theme of morality. The idea of being a moral person weighs heavily in the novel. A reference to virginity is made on or around page 38 that pretty much states that it's bad to lose your virginity before you are married...perhaps it's because of the book starting out with a bastard child. We have Jenny Jones who Allworthy tries to still treat like a person even after she offended God. What she has done is appealing to her moral being...religion takes a role in that as well. This novel stresses that it's necessary to be moral in order to be respected and taken seriously. Originally, one might believe that Mrs. Western is a moralistic character; she's good natured, forgiving, etc. Is she really this things though? She only forgave the highway men because they told her she was beautiful...a moralistic character? I don't believe so.

There is also the emphasis on the "flawed hero", Tom Jones, himself. By Tom Jones being a "flawed hero", I believe it makes him more of a realistic character. He seems more relatable due to the fact that he isn't perfect. Readers tend to attach themselves to characters that they could relate to. Realism is emphasized in the novel by proving that it is not the stereotypical. Readers tend to justify characters because they may be true to life...relatable.

Radcliffe's Genius

I am finding the The Mysteries of Udolpho’s Emily the first character in the novels that we have red as being completely likeable and believable. She doesn’t feel like a character of a book, but rather can be any normal person. Emily is smart, has personality, and emotions that appear at the right times. As a reader i didn’t feel that Radcliffe was attempting to throw a lesson at you, but simply wants you to be a spectator in Emily’s world. It is nice to be reading a book where I am not skeptical about the character so Radcliffe does a great job in creating Emily and the book as a whole overall.

Burney the woman writer.....

I would have to say that I did really enjoy reading this novel. It was exciting to finally read something by a woman. Although I am a picky reader, I have a few authors I prefer to read, such as J. K. Rowling, and Lurlene McDaniel who is a teen writer. I really did enjoy reading Burney. It was so much more different then reading one of these kinds of novels written by men. Every book we have read this semester has been written by men and the novels all speak of women and what they think and feel. I feel that for a man to write that kind of novel back then especially is so typical. It was kind of insulting a little when I read Pamela and everything that she was feeling as well as Shamela. I felt that it was so typical of the men of those days, for them to describe us women that way. But reading Burney it just felt like Evelina was very real, a little naive but real. Basically what Evelina goes through is so typical of a teenager to go through. Evelina not knowing of her feelings for Lord Orville was a bit comical to me. It was as if I was reading about the teenager girls I hear talking on the buses or trains. The teenagers of our days are always having conversations how she doesn't know if she loves the boy or not and this and that. Sometimes I want to turn to them and say, stop all this non-sense and deal with life. Grow up a little and just concentrate on school, because that should be your number one priority. I felt like saying that to Evelina. Every time I read what she was going through, I just felt like she didn't really have anybody who helped her. Marriage isn't for anyone and maybe it’s the wrong time for her to go out looking for marriage. But overall the novel was very fascinating and different. It was nice reading a women's perspective for a change.

Evelina is no Pamela.

Evelina is a young lady, who knows what she wants, but she does not know how to obtain entrnace into the upper class. In contrast, Pamela is a young lady who is pious with no guidance or a person who does pious things without any good deeds behind her praying. I would say that Evelina naivete is a strength not a weakness. On the other hand, I feel that Richardson is trying to get us to be pious, but he does not tell the reader why we should be pious. I also question the notion that the reward for being virtuous is some kind of financial wealth and not just doing to feel good about oneself I've with that part of Pamela's persona.

A Female Novelist

While we may consider Burney to be a bit wishy washy in Evelina I think it is completely understandable. It can not forget that she was a pioneer of the kind, so of course Austen and the like who followed are going to be bolder. They simply were able to be this way and had they been the first I think their books would have just as likely contain just the same amount of trepidation.
Finally reading a book written by a female author was great. Burney being a female herself brought more depth and believability to Evelina's character. Additionally, some of the minor tiny little aspects of things Evelina would say or ways in which things were described (so little that I can't even think of an example of) made me go only a female author. Granted I may have red into things but I think there is a clear difference in the writing styles between man women. But all in all Burney's Evelina could not have been written by a male if it was it would have turned out to be a completely different book.

Usage of Letters in Evelina and Pamela

If Burney's Evelina, was an enjoyable read for me, it is no wonder that her novel was a popular one of the time period. The use of letters as the medium to present the first person narrative is no longer foreign to us (as Richardson used it as well). However, I feel that Burney's use of the letters helped me, as the reader, understand and picture the goings on of the societal culture of eigteenth century England.

When I read Pamela's letters there were many times when I couldn't distinguish her innnocence from her ability to feign it in overexaggerated situations or explanations. It may due to the differences in social status of both characters, as one is a servant girl and the other a daughter of a well-to-do gentleman, and the different situations that each girl faces in society. However, whatever the cause, Evelina's letters lend a more objective and thus more pleasurable read than those of Pamela's.

Burney's Brilliance

Evelina is an entertaining read, it is definitely my favorite so far. Burney created a character who is incredibly complex, which stimulates interesting discussions in class. I personally believe that Evelina is somewhat of a snob, but I feel that 18th century society is to blame. Living a quiet and humble country life is fine if you remain ignorant of high society, but catching a glimpse of it is bound to make any person long for social mobility. Despite Evelina's tendency to be a snob at certain points, she is nevertheless a likable character. Her innocence, awkwardness, and ignorance of the world she desires to be a part of forces you to sympathize with her. She really has no one to instruct her, instead she has to learn from her mistakes. One thing that interests me is the fact that Burney includes several strong female characters. Although Duval is embarrassing, she is not passive and defends herself. There is also Mrs. Selwyn, a woman who always has a witty response to an inane or pretentious comment that someone else made. My theory is that Evelina, Duval, and Selwyn reflect certain aspects of Burney's personality.

A new name, same game: Virtue Rewarded

I really enjoyed Evelina, however, as I read I could not but think of Pamela. While Evelina was not as blatant, and Burney's character infinitely more human and relatable than Pamela, the conclusion was ultimately the same, that if you just try your best to follow the rules of society, you will be rewarded handsomely.

Even more so than Pamela, Evelina reminded me of a Jane Austen novel. The parallels with Austen's Persuassions were never ending. Both novels utilize the a heroine to portray a proper woman of their time. Having most recently read some reviews of Austen's work from the 19th Century, I could not help but feel that Burney was trying to create the same effect(obviously before Austen), they both created novels that could also double as a handbook for how women should behave. What is funny about the review from these time periods is the fear that women would read these novels and think that stories like this could happen to them too. Apparently the men didn't want them to have big dreams of chivalrous men that would come and sweep them off their feet no matter what their social status. imagine that!

Harley as Healer

Mackenzie's The Man of Feeling not only celebrates Harley as a man of goodness as he reacts to the human suffering around him, but it also gives voice to the truth that goodness is not extinguished in those afflicted by the ills of the world. Thus, Mackenzie's version of morality is one of compassion and beneficence in reaching out by word and action to those in need, recognizing the goodness in those who have fallen along life's way, and not judging them in their misfortunes.

Mackenzie allows his hero to vent his sorrow through an "unmasculine" release of neverending tears. Time after time Harley feels compassion deeply, shows it openly, and takes action to help the unfortunate. Thus, the author directs the men in his society to break from cold indifference (both internal and external), as it is a moral obligation to feel sympathy. And tears may flow freely and copiously, for to do so is not less manly- it's more humane.

Evelina in Love

I read the book before so there was not much in the plot that actually surprised me in the end. However, I was surprised by the letter that Mr. Villars sent to Evelina in Volume III letter VI. In that letter Mr. Villars warns Evelina that she is in love with Lord Orville, and in order to prevent further harm to herself, she must leave his society as soon as possible. I was really surprised by this letter because I thought it was so obvious that Evelina was in love with Lord Orville, and I just took it for granted that Evelina knew it too. This kind of cemented Evelina’s innocence for me, and it made me wonder what Evelina originally thought her relationship with Lord Orville meant. I know Mr. Villars was never very pretentious and didn’t wish for Evelina to marry the wealthiest and most eligible bachelor available. However, I did think that Evelina had loftier aims in mind, with Evelina trying to fit into the “in crowd” and everything. Evelina’s response to Mr. Villars (Volume III Letter IX) is very characteristic of her personality and fear of embarrassment. She says, “Long since, doubtful of the situation of my heart, I dreaded a scrutiny….I began, indeed, to think my safety insured, to hope that my fears were causeless, and to believe that my good opinion and esteem of Lord Orville might be owned without suspicion, and felt without danger” (321). It seems to me that Evelina judged whether she was doing what was right or wrong by other people’s reactions to her behavior. Since no one scrutinized her for her feelings towards Lord Orville, she thought there was nothing wrong with them. Evelina further mentions, “You, Sir, relied upon my ignorance; -- I, alas, upon your experience; and, whenever I doubted the weakness of my heart, the idea that you did not suspect me, --restored my courage, and confirmed my error!”(322). Evelina felt that if she would be in love, Mr. Villars would have mentioned it, but since he never did, she just assumed that there was nothing wrong or dangerous with feeling the way she did.

Evelina and her Captain Courageous

Burney's Evelina is an enjoyable read. The protagonist evokes compassion from the reader, as one is caught up in the sentimental storyline of Evelina as she seeks a connection with her birth father, Sir Belton, and unexpectedly finds love with the perfect man,Lord Orville. And one can't help but root for her all the way. I had a lump in my throat more than a few times - especially when she tells Macartney that she is his sister. And the scenes with her birth father tugged at my heart, as Burney writes their emotions achingly raw and real. When I picked up Evelina I was resigned to another boring read "a la Pamela," but I was pleasantly surprised. Evelina is an endearing character that speaks to the sweet innocence that once was every girl, and to get to know her more and more through every page is to revisit bittersweet memories of one's coming of age- no matter what the century.

But it is the crude, coarse, captivatingly callous Captain who is my favorite character. His antics in making fools of Madame Duval and Mr. Lovel are laugh- out- loud hysterical. And talk about "knocking one off his/her high horse"- Madame Duvall's robbery/mud debacle is just the comeuppance the "grande dame wannabe" deserves. Burney brings life to the Captain as the voice of truth in a society chock full of pretention and pomposity. He says what's on his mind, and he acts accordingly - even if it means bringing in an ear-biting monkey to ridicule the foppish, snobby, simpering Lovel. As the Captain is placed into that society by default, and refreshingly takes on no airs to adapt to it, he sees fit to unmask the phonies abounding around him. Bravo il Capitano!

Evelina: sitcom of the 1700s

As I was reading Evelina I realized how much society has not changed. The difficult pursuits of the young girls for their innocence, the fear of embarrassment, as well as the trials of fitting in all expressed similarly in this past. I feel this is why I found this Novel more enjoyable then the rest. Evelina is a teenager growing up in a society she can’t fit in. She is like the quite nerd that no one notices but then realizes she is the beauty of the school. I found it enjoyable because I read it as a teenage sitcom, much more enjoyable that way. It’s like one tree hill in the 1700’s. I imagine this is what it was, all the young girls reading it and then chatting about it in small groups, and the boys reading it to get what the girls are talking about.
I assumed that Burney pulled all if not some of the topics within the story are pulled from society, or even experience. This is where I had a hard time believing to the extent that these fault were used on Evelina. I felt that Burney took all the little societal mistakes from various sources and through them into Evelina. It’s strange the play on mistakes makes her more and less real to me at the same time. I liked that since it made the read a source of thought, as to how do I feel of certain scenes. I guess back to the Sitcom and gossip within it, some things we can see as occurring others not so.

Evelina: admirable follies

With one more comment focusing on a comparison to Pamela, one of the first things I noticed when I began reading Burney's Evelina was the letter form. Structurally similar, I half expected Evelina to be as tedious to me as the challenge set forth by reading Pamela--but I have been pleasantly surprised. While Pamela's letters to her father have a single-sided edge to them as she constantly praises herself, Evelina's letter to Mr. Villars reveal her own follies within a society that she in unaccustomed to. For this reason Evelina's "with all love and duty" was just so much easier to stomach than the pomp of Pamela's "your most dutiful daughter..."
One reading more though, it is exposed to the reader that Evelina's 'follies' are not always so likeable. Whereas she certainly acts out of line sometimes out of naivete, he disdain for everyone around her who is not high society is quite disgusting. She resents being in the company of her very own family, because they are ill-bred, and this carries through as she writes "nothing could be more disagreeable to me, than being seen by Sir Clement Willoughby with a party at once so vulgar in themselves, and so familiar to me" (246)--she longs for the acceptance of a man she barely cares to even speak to! Although I have not yet finished the novel, from somewhere beyond the midway point, its seems that Evelina's endearing qualities have shifted to borderline bratty.
But even so, Mr. Villars has the ability to shift my opinion of Evelina to admirability. While the reader becomes so involved with Evelina's tales of her disgust for her company, he notes that she acts with strength during the 'pistol scene.' This brought me back to believe that although Evelina has her faults, this is only NORMAL (in contrast with Pamela), aand she remains in my mind, a character to be admired.

Burney's Map

After Pamela, I was hesitant about the idea of beginning another epistolary novel. But, from the instant I began to read, I knew that Frances Burney had surpassed Richardson in bringing life and dimension to the letters of Evelina. The letters take you on a journey to the late 1700’s covering every detail of life, as it existed then. Evelina’s emergence from her sheltered country life into the lion-filled pits of London’s upper-middle class society life is satirical but sincere, and Eveline’s personal journey from innocent girl to a desirous, knowing young woman, feels as contemporary to me as a John Hughs’ coming-of-age movie (although this reference dates me). This period of time in a girl’s life is complex on many levels and Burney captures them skillfully. There is lightness in the novel that might be read as trivializing, but I think to attribute pain over seemingly small incidences as trivial, is to miss the point. These early years are about deciding whom we are going to be and, if the decision is not actively made, than we passively allow those around us to decide our fate. Evelina struggles without the proper tools to accomplish her goal of having a say in the progression of her life, but she continues to fight for her resolution. Eveline seems to be asking the reader if it is possible to experience the duplicity of others without becoming tainted oneself.
Recently, while away on a girl’s weekend, we began talking about why it is that people often marry first loves from high school later in life. My husband was my very first sweaty palm, heart-palpitating crush. This state basically lasted all of high school during which time we were great friends but, to my disappointment, he never asked me out. Ten years later we met again through friends and were engaged less than a year later. We will celebrate ten years married this spring. My mother’s second and much happier marriage was to her senior year boyfriend with whom she reconnected after thirty years apart. My brother-in-law is finally getting married next month to a woman that my husband and I went to high school with, and that he knew through us all being common friends. While I have no hard research to back up my theory, it goes something like this: during these years we are our rawest, most awkward selves and anyone who knew us then and still likes us now is worth an extra look. This theory of mine actually has a few more layers than that, but it would be another paper and I’m sure you get the gist.
Burney captures this raw and awkward self perfectly, as Evelina tries to find her place in the world. Her days in London help her, through observation and participation, to begin to form a template for her future self. She watches others around her behave in ways that mystify and offend her, and she learns who she does not want to be. I have not finished the book yet, but John Hughs gives me hope that all will end well. I cannot help but root for Evelina who is good but not too good, troubled but not neurotic, insecure but not pathetic. Evelina’s journey seems to be Burney’s map for her contemporary readers, as they begin their own journey. I have my money on a marriage to Lord Orville.

"Man of Feeling"

To be honest as I was reading this book, and as we discussed it in class, I felt a little confused about the reactions of the class. I couldn’t understand why anybody in class couldn’t really relate to him. I can honestly say that I know at least one person who completely basis all her decisions on her emotions. That is just life and those people who say they don’t do that as well are not really being honest with themselves. I’m not saying that every decision we ever made was because of our feelings, but it definitely effects us. We may feel a certain way about something that and will make our decision through that.
I know when I usually make a decision my feelings are definitely involved. Not everyone can make a decision without feeling something towards the subject. We may think we are but we are not. When you make a decision you consider everything and reconsider how it would affect you and whoever else is involved and that to me is feeling something.
I mean don’t get me wrong, I thought Harley was a little over board but overall it makes sense. Another thing is to think that a man can’t really feel this much is just a lie. There are plenty of guys that are sentimental but then they just tend to bring in their ego and become someone of an *******. We sometimes don’t give men credit, and I know very well why. But we can’t honestly blame all men who are disrespectful to men in general, because if that is the case they should think the same for women.
I do know one thing; I found it easier to read Mackenzie’s work then the rest of the novels that we have read thus far. It was easier to follow, and the language wasn’t as difficult. Overall I really did enjoy the book and thought it was something different. I mean we have Pamela who was very emotional but never a man who was really this emotional and all his feelings. So it was a change and it was nice.

Feelings in The Man of Feeling

The Man of Feeling was one of the most unique books we have read so far. Harley was a man who let feelings control his judgment, which caused him to not gain the money he set out for and to die because of loving a woman whose affections he could not gain. The book was broken up into little "scenes" or "episodes," and there were a lot of sections missing from Harley's writings. These omissions were disorienting at first (when did Harley lose his dad; why is there a section called "The Pupil" which seemingly came from nowhere?), but I got used to it after a while. Each section was compact enough to learn the lessons in each without getting confused. My main problem with the novel was that I was forced to feel a certain way for each person Harley came across. I mean, it was hard not to feel sorry for certain individuals like the woman in the mad house or for Edwards, but it was too much by the end of the book. It was like everyone had misfortunes and no one had any joy in their life. And if I wanted to pass judgment on a certain character (like the prostitute; maybe she was to blame for her hardships because she went after that guy and didn't even tell her father), I couldn't. Harley's words and his compassion, as well as the feelings of the girl's father, were like swords stabbing my brain, telling me I had to feel sorry for this poor girl. I did find it interesting how Harley managed to touch everyone he came across; making me think that he was turning others into "men of feeling." Yet in the end, he died back at home and without the woman he loved. If anything, Harley taught me that a man should not let his feelings rule everything in his life; there needs to be a balance between reason and feelings. If Harley had followed this advice, he'd be alive, had gotten money, and would have expressed his love for Miss Walton sooner rather than later, and possibly have gotten married to her. Instead, we are left with an ending that seems to say "Harley managed to save everyone but himself."

Depiction of imagination

We discussed in class why these novels have lost appeal to our generation. After thinking about this I think it’s the fact many of us have lost the ability to imagine. As I said in class the scenery description in Man of Feeling on page 64 as well as the third paragraph on page 90, are all to trigger ones imagination. Describing setting and scene in detail raises the chance of a reader recognizing something that pertains to them and so they build a picture around that. The description of the painting must have been one many readers would have known so for them they already can picture the scene more effectivly. unlike us since these days with our world moving in such speed that even sleep is becoming a chore, we don’t have time to imagine, we use other people and television to imagine for us. the serenity of sitting in the shade with the breeze hitting your face and the scent of spring in your soul is lost to our genertaion. I doubt it is easy for most of us to set up the Scene of page 90, which goes into detail of the sick man laying in a dirty bed and a woman supporting him. Mackenzie goes into great detail describing the women as an angel and how she smelled as well as that there was a tear on her cheek. From this we could build in our head a picture of a woman who we too thought to look like an angel, this is the beauty of these novels, the fact that such skill was required to entice a reader to read so many pages is amazing and lost to us. Like we said in a previous class one has to place themselves in the time of the novel to truly appreciate their words. just look at our generation and the exploration many authors are doing with literature. all this to create a new way to grasp the reader to pick up a book, just look as Crying of Lot 49, Hood and other modern day novels.
I leave you with a question, do you still imagine the words when you read?

Man of Feeling

Man of Feeling poses some interesting challenges to the reader. Harley appears at first to be a breath of fresh air. He is a feeling and sensitive hero, almost out of place in the world. The conceit of the found pages is intriguing, and I found myself wondering where this twist of ‘feeling hero’ would take us. The journey to London begins well enough with interesting encounters and characters, but then becomes increasingly fractured as a story. As each new happening becomes an occasion for Harley to be misused, I began to wonder if Mackenzie is asking us to decide if a moral life is possible in modern life? Is being sentimental and generous to the degree Harley has chosen a realistic goal for the working class, or an indulgence of the upper class? Ultimately, I was left feeling empty. While I am usually a sap, there was a sense of being compelled to feel that actually sucked the emotions right out of me. But in terms of the final result, if Mackenzie is asking the reader to question the definition or efficacy of a life of feeling, he is successful.

Man of Feeling

If Mackenzie's purpose was to convey the emotional and sentimental character of mankind through this work, I think he effectively accomplished that task. By having his sentimental hero, Harley, experience such personal scenes and events, the reader cannot help but sympathize with the whirlwind of emotions present in each case. Our entrance into each emotional scene seems purposefully directed by Mackenzie, as though getting to the heart of the situation (i.e. where the geyser of emotions lies) is what matters most. In some ways, these abrupt entrances to different scenes mirrors the postmodern style, wherein fragments of situations are laid out in no particular order and the reader has to work hard to connect the fragments in order to understand the big picture. We are thus presented a character who is put through the emotional burdens of others and whom we see get engulfed by his passions at the end of the book.
Just a note: I was surprised that while reading this book I was also touched by the emotional events that provoked the protagonists's feelings. From the title of the book I thought the novel would be a discourse on emotions, etc. However, it turned out to be an intriguing piece of literature. Being a modern reader, I was apprehensive about how I would read the book. Yet, seeing how the "Man of Feeling" was able to strike my own nerves, I have to wonder at the responses that 18th century readers felt.

Love That Boy

Tom Jones is a satisfying read. The book is a journey into the world of 18th Century life as chaotic and filled with dichotomies as any modern day tale. Tom is a flawed hero, to say the least, and it is Fielding’s willingness to place the entire burden of this story on the shoulders of such an imperfect character that makes his journey the more enjoyable. Tom goes through his life with a flawed reputation and one that, for the most part, he has earned. Yet, for all of his misconduct, the reader is hard pressed not to root for Tom. I, myself, love a bad boy. A good guy in bad boy clothing; this is what I declared my husband to be after a month of dating. Ten years later this combination still charms me. This is also the way I would describe Tom Jones. He is not out to hurt anyone and in fact operates from a strong moral point of view, but he does have an element of ‘bad boy’ that is often the result of impulse control. What saves him is that, even in the midst of these undesirable actions, he is brave and generous and willing to risk his own well being in order to be sure that what is right prevails. I believe that ultimately Tom and Sophia find happiness together. Together they have a perfect balance of impulse and propriety. Tom Jones is a crisp spring breeze that wakes you up from a lazy afternoon and reminds the reader of all the unexpected adventures that make up life.

Moderating "feeling"

In Mackenzie’s “man of feeling,” Harley, at first seemed like a nice idea (even to a non-sentimentalist reader, like myself)—he is refreshingly sensitive, bashful, and kind-hearted---something atypical for a male hero. But all this was undermined when he became excessively “feeling.” I mean, sometimes, giving all your money to charity may not be the best idea when you have bills to pay... And I started to sneer at Harley’s sentimentality. Within the framework of the novels we have discussed, exists two major elements of identity: logical reasoning, and overt sentimentality. Mackenzie flaunts sensibility but simultaneously rejects the purity of this sentimentality. He says in chapter XL, “The desire of communicating knowledge …is an argument with those that hold that man is naturally a social animal…but it may be doubted whether the pleasure…arising from it be not more often selfish than social” (79). Basically, sensibility is tainted. This gives rise to some questions: Just how are reason and sensibility perceived by Mackenzie? Can the two be jibed into one realistic character? Can this "man of feeling" actually exist? It was difficult for me to read Harley as a straight up sentimental character. With that sort of reading, he seemed more sentimentally unattainable, in the same way that Pamela is morally superior. This encouraged a more ‘read between the lines’ approach that encouraged the analysis of human nature and the characteristics that create a balanced individual: both sentimental, and logical.

Tom Jones - Misunderstood

Here I find myself defending the morally "incorrect" again, I do believe we have to give some allowance to Tom Jones behavior. I believe that we give Tom Jones too much credit for his indiscretions. Although it is true that he indulged in an affair or two I believe that these would have never been if not initiated by the female counterpart. I see Tom Jones as a sweet caring gentleman that was simply obliged to do his duty and return the affections of a lady (after all how would Lady Bellaston and Molly feel if they were rejected). Although this does not by any means justify his behavior, I do want us to look at the whole situation objectively, it does take two. Ultimately I was well pleased to see Sophia and Tom together (despite all the objections by her father) but do hope that Tom will now be a model husband to the end of his days. You can’t help but like the guy and want all the best for him.

A Comparison Between Two Foundlings

As I was reading the history of Tom Jones, I was reminded of a certain other foundling I had read about: Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff was found by Catherine's father in the streets, alone and abandoned, just as Tom was found by Mr. Allworthy; though he was actually put in Allworthy's own bed! Both Tom and Heathcliff were wild children and they both seem very driven by nature. Tom has an undying love for Sophia even though he sleeps with many other women, while Heathcliff does everything for Catherine; even courting Isabella to make her jealous. Yet, these two foundlings are very different from each other. For one thing, Heathcliff is not a likable person; he seems to hate everyone besides Catherine, and indeed treats everyone he knows rather badly. Tom, despite his sexual faults, is quite likable, and even though he constantly gets into trouble, he is plagued by any misfortunes he encounters. Tom loses sleep over any of his mishaps and repents for any wrong he does others. Heathcliff did everything he could to win over Catherine even though she was married to another man, yet he lost her to death in the end. Tom overcomes many obstacles to win Sophia's love and marries her at the end of his novel. Tom and Sophia have kids after their marriage, but since Tom Jones is only a history of the main character, we never delve into their lives, whereas Wuthering Heights goes on for many pages after the death of Catherine to deal with the lives of her daughter and Heathcliff's sons. Heathcliff's "son" Hareton, who is really Hindley's son but Heathcliff raised him, manages to find love with the second Catherine and marries her; something his "father" was never able to do with the original Catherine. Fortunately, Fielding's Tom Jones is much more lighthearted than Wuthering Heights, so we don't have to deal with serious losses and can congratulate Tom for finally getting his girl in the novel's finale.