I enjoyed listening to your views of one of my favorite novels. ❤👍😊 Edith Wharton also weaves into the storyline the language of flowers. During Victorian times people used flowers to express their emotions. May favors and is represented by lily of the valley (lilies = purity) Yellow roses were often sent by a man to a woman whom he desired as his mistress (Red roses for deep passionate love) etc., etc.. I think that the subject of spousal abuse is larger than modern readers realize. For centuries people stayed married, even if they were not happy being married. Those with money had the luxury of living in different homes or wings of a very large home. Others made due with separate beds (not uncommon among the rich, even when they were happy together) unwritten codes of what to- or not to- discuss, etc. to be able to maintain a level of respect within the home; especially if the couple had children. However, a violent spouse is often a possessive, selfish and domineering spouse who will not allow his (or her) partner to live in peace within a wing of the family's massive house[1] Ellen Olenska's husband, Count Olenska, probably did not want to let go of Ellen's dowry payments; so he sent his representative to try to persuade her to come back to Europe. Conversely, had she divorced him, not only would her and the representative (secretary) be dragged through the mud; the regular remittances would have dried up. That is, unless Count Olenska could prove that it was her who broke the marriage vows. *Either divorced* *or married, but living separately; it was Ellen who was going to bear the brunt of a courts and society's condemnation.* _____________________________ 1.) This happens even in this age in UK to people with titles, primogeniture, large estates and divorce. If the couple divorce and split the assets; the entire estate (and the oldest son's ability to keep the estate running, when he inherits it) goes down the tubes because it has to be kept intact for it to function and be sustainable) So, they often live in different wings of those huge houses.
Nice discussion. I think both Ellen and May were realistic and practical. May’s voice even rears up from the grave to remind Newland that his choices in the world are also limited. And just as May affirmed the world and its opportunities for her (and she played her role and Newland brilliantly), Newland ultimately comes to terms with his destiny - which was with May in their world and not different world of life with Ellen. It’s a mindblowingly good novel from the first sentence and the stage-setting in the first chapter.
Enjoyed reading the book and listening to this review. I sympathize with your last statement of "revisiting the book through later stages of your life". That's how you know that you have your hands on a classic, when it adds depth and layers upon rereading it; and one can learn something more about oneself with multiple reads. I'm looking forward to future revisits as well.
Why is it always either that women have no "other" options or that they aren't even aware there are any "other" options? Why can it never be that, with a clear view of everthing she can imagine for herself, she is choosing to do exactly as she desires? It is a beautifully written book.
I agree...May chooses exactly what she wants and in fact is rather cunning in getting it. Also Wharton described old New York as matriarchal, not patriarchal.
@@leschatsmusicale I wouldn't describe May as cunning (or deceitful or manipulative) She knew how the matriarchal system of NYC society worked. She was brought up in it and also was smart enough to follow the rules to survive. It seems strange on the surface; but in patriarchal societies, the women often have supreme power within the home.
Hi, love to watch these type of videos after I finish books so thanks for this. If you haven't yet PLEASE read House of Mirth, it is by far my favorite Wharton novel I've read (I've also read this one and Ethan Frome)
I enjoyed listening to your views of one of my favorite novels. ❤👍😊
Edith Wharton also weaves into the storyline the language of flowers. During Victorian times people used flowers to express their
emotions. May favors and is represented by lily of the valley (lilies = purity) Yellow roses were often sent by a man to a woman
whom he desired as his mistress (Red roses for deep passionate love) etc., etc..
I think that the subject of spousal abuse is larger than modern readers realize. For centuries people stayed married, even if they were
not happy being married. Those with money had the luxury of living in different homes or wings of a very large home. Others made
due with separate beds (not uncommon among the rich, even when they were happy together) unwritten codes of what to- or not to-
discuss, etc. to be able to maintain a level of respect within the home; especially if the couple had children.
However, a violent spouse is often a possessive, selfish and domineering spouse who will not allow his (or her) partner to live
in peace within a wing of the family's massive house[1] Ellen Olenska's husband, Count Olenska, probably did not want to let
go of Ellen's dowry payments; so he sent his representative to try to persuade her to come back to Europe. Conversely, had
she divorced him, not only would her and the representative (secretary) be dragged through the mud; the regular remittances
would have dried up. That is, unless Count Olenska could prove that it was her who broke the marriage vows. *Either divorced*
*or married, but living separately; it was Ellen who was going to bear the brunt of a courts and society's condemnation.*
_____________________________
1.) This happens even in this age in UK to people with titles, primogeniture, large estates and divorce. If the couple divorce and split
the assets; the entire estate (and the oldest son's ability to keep the estate running, when he inherits it) goes down the tubes
because it has to be kept intact for it to function and be sustainable) So, they often live in different wings of those huge houses.
My favorite book of all time. Read as much Wharton as possible. You will not be disappointed. 😊
Nice discussion. I think both Ellen and May were realistic and practical. May’s voice even rears up from the grave to remind Newland that his choices in the world are also limited. And just as May affirmed the world and its opportunities for her (and she played her role and Newland brilliantly), Newland ultimately comes to terms with his destiny - which was with May in their world and not different world of life with Ellen. It’s a mindblowingly good novel from the first sentence and the stage-setting in the first chapter.
Burrows into my heart every time
Enjoyed reading the book and listening to this review. I sympathize with your last statement of "revisiting the book through later stages of your life". That's how you know that you have your hands on a classic, when it adds depth and layers upon rereading it; and one can learn something more about oneself with multiple reads. I'm looking forward to future revisits as well.
Why is it always either that women have no "other" options or that they aren't even aware there are any "other" options?
Why can it never be that, with a clear view of everthing she can imagine for herself, she is choosing to do exactly as she desires?
It is a beautifully written book.
If I understand you, i think you may be interested in The Odd Women, by George (I believe) GISSING.
I agree...May chooses exactly what she wants and in fact is rather cunning in getting it. Also Wharton described old New York as matriarchal, not patriarchal.
@@leschatsmusicale
May is innocent, but she is not
naive; she understands the
consequences of personal
decisions.
@@leschatsmusicale
I wouldn't describe May as
cunning (or deceitful or
manipulative) She knew
how the matriarchal
system of NYC society
worked. She was
brought up in it and
also was smart enough
to follow the rules to
survive.
It seems strange on the
surface; but in patriarchal
societies, the women often
have supreme power
within the home.
Hi, love to watch these type of videos after I finish books so thanks for this. If you haven't yet PLEASE read House of Mirth, it is by far my favorite Wharton novel I've read (I've also read this one and Ethan Frome)
maybe, you should start a new channel to teach English, the way you speak is very good you articulate your thoughts beautifully .