Roger has been gone for a great deal in this novel. How is he still present? And. . . on another tack, what do you think will happen to Osborne, as now we have positive proof that he is unwell?
I got to admit, I am having a hard time coming up with new things to ask you to discuss.
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16 comments:
Roger’s name is constantly being mentioned in the text: he is on Cynthia's mind, Molly’s, his brother and his father, who are all continuously bringing him into the reader’s mind, and Roger also writes letters, and many of the town’s people sing his praises. Roger is everywhere he’s not!
As far as Osborne is concerned, since you can’t undo ‘unwell,” I believe he will be meeting his maker real soon. I believe we all know the reason for Osborne’s illness….
Roger is alive because the author keeps him alive indirectly with letters and the conversations that other characters have. I believe Roger will have the greatest impact on the residents of this little town. As for Osbourne, it is hard to say what will really happen to him because the author deliberately keeps him in a spiral of unforseen mystique that could change at any moment. He could die but then it would take away the mystery of his father really understanding the whole marriage thing with the French wife. I think the author will keep him in long enough to reveal something else before he is gone.
Roger is gone physically, but still present in his letters to Cynthia. He still loves her unceasingly even when she hardly gives him the time of day.
I hope poor Osbourne will pull through. All this secret business is killing him, literally. Maybe he will just come out with the truth to everyone and be done with it.
in response to sailorgirl,
I didn't think about Roger being present in the text by being on people's minds and the center of their conversations...good one.
And maybe Osborne will die.
This is not my best response.
in response to sailorgirl,
I didn't think about Roger being present in the text by being on people's minds and the center of their conversations...good one.
And maybe Osborne will die.
This is not my best response.
Roger is definitely away out of town, but he remains present with the people he has left his mark on. For instance, his father and brother both speak about him a great deal; Molly just can’t stop thinking about him; Cynthia constantly receives his letters; even other Hollingsford people mention his name here and there. I do not believe that he will ever cease being the topic of conversation. He has impressed so many.
Now on the other hand, Osborne does not have a chance of survival. He was once thought to be terminally ill by Mr. Gibson, while the other doc said there was nothing to be concerned about. However, I am sticking by Mr. Gibson’s first hunch. He wasn’t made town’s doc for nothing you know. He seems to know his stuff. Honestly, I do not think Osborne will make it to the end of the book as Gaskell seems to not have a problem with killing off her characters.
I was thinking the same thing about the Hamley family, and the only reason Roger has been part of the last hundred pages is because he has a special place in Molly’s heart. She herself had to stop and think why she always ponders his whereabouts and well being. I think these two should definitely become an item once and for all.
As for Osborne, I think Gaskell makes it evident that there will be grief at the Hamley household. Something just told me, when he attempted to visit Mr. Gibson, that his illness was almost fatal. The way he spoke of his wife, his abrupt exit, and his sentimental attitude towards Molly all point to one thing: death.
I think that again I read to far..I hate roman numerals. So I already know the answer to what happens to Osborne. Thank goodness we are reaching the end of the novel so that I don't have to try and figure out what chapters are required for the reading.
As far as Roger...he is constantly being brought up by Mr. Hamley, Molly, Cynthia and even her mother.
Sailorgirl,
I agree with everything that you stated. But I'm not so sure on your ending comment.
In response to Martin...
I see that you are truly a romantic at heart: "He has a special place in Molly's heart." It's just something about the way your words are written; I can imagine you saying that.
And haven't we all been in love to the point were our minds have no space for any other thought than him/her?! It's the only time heart flutters can be a good thing.
Nice to see you're in touch with your sensitive side!
Roger Roger Roger! Everyone's either talking about him or thinking about him...Molly of course is thinking about him because she has the hots for him...Cynthia thinks about him from time to time, seeing as they are engaged and he's just another thing for her to bother herself with. Plus it's kinda hard to forget about someone completely when they're sending you letters. Roger is also the subject of conversation between Osborne and the squire. Everybody seems to like talking about Roger.
Osborne doesn't seem to be doing too well at all. I think all the secrecy and lies are getting to him. As far as his future is concerned, I don't think he has much to look forward to. It's gonna be rather quiet when he's not around anymore.
In response to cicelyj,
I like that you have faith in Elizabeth Gaskell. What would happen if Osborne did in fact die before something else came to light? Hmmm.
I also wonder, why do you believe Roger will have the greatest impact? I know he is important, but what exactly makes him so special?
cicelyj,
I like your response about Mr. Osborne Hamley. We absolutely need to find out what happens when the squire learns of Osborne's French wife and half-breed son. I was going to allude to something of the sort, but decided against it. I guess now that you have opened the window I will seize the moment. Actually, I think I mentioned this in a previous posting--about Osborne's child bridging the gap between Osborne and his father--and now I am revisiting that statement with a twist. I believe the baby will also help the squire to accept the French. Maybe I am wrong; it's just a hunch!
Claudia, sometimes I, too, am like: Roger, Roger, Roger (in the Marsha, Marsha, Marsha tone from the Brady Bunch). He's an unconquered love for one; a form of security for another--or several for that matter; and the pride and joy of a father. It's no wonder the whole damn cast of characters longs for him. He's the messiah of the book. Well, Molly might get that title, but he certainly gets it in the masculine form.
Roger is a large piece of the novel and he is always in at least one persons thoughts. Between the squire, molly, cynthia, mr and mrs gibson, and the townspeople; his name is always on some one's lips. In the few instances when he is not brought up in conversation, his letters still keep him around.
And as for Osbourne, we all know he is doomed for death. That much anxiety in anyone's life could kill some one.
lady t,
i really like your pov on this particular blog. your answers are vey solid and complete. i agree entirely with what you have to say about Roger and Osbourne.
talk about a short response... but there are so many ways i can praise a comment without sounding really... i dunno, lame? haha!
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