I am seriously behind on this discussion post and I sincerely apologize. While I love reading Dickens, he can be long-winded at times...or perhaps not so much long-winded, as lofty in his introduction of characters. Honestly, I don't know how the man kept up with all of these characters.
When he titled this The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, he was not kidding. Nicholas has had so many experiences for such a young man. I loved the parts when he (and Smike) acted in Mr. Crummles' theater troupe. I can imagine him as quite the dashing leading man. His popularity with the audiences caused some jealousy within the company. I thought that scene was quite entertaining. Nicholas has a 
temper. They truly don't know who they're messing with...which Ralph is getting ready to find out. Evil man. What he has caused to happen to poor Kate is horrifying. Now I see why they were so fussy back then for young women to have a chaperone. She clearly needed one in her situation. Of course, she, and her mother, did not suspect that her Uncle would be so cruel. I think they are finding out now just how morally bankrupt he really is. Greed is at the root of his antics. He does seem to have a soft spot for Kate, even though it seems impossible. But just when you think he might be redeemable after all, he says to himself about wishing Nicholas and their mother dead so Kate could live with him. Wow.
I'm not going to say much more at the moment. I'll just say that I am enjoying it, though it's slow going. I am considering listening to some of it on audio. One of the newsletters I subscribe to mentioned this public domain audio book site and I found Nicholas Nickleby on there. If you want to check it out, it's called Book Radio.
What did you think of the this section of our reading? Share any and all thoughts in the comments.
Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)
I'll be back on August 31 (hopefully) with the next discussion post.
Here is the reading schedule if you need to reference it again. (Click link and scroll down)
I'll be back on August 31 (hopefully) with the next discussion post.
Nice commentary on this second portion, Michelle! An excellent point about the reasons for chaperones for young ladies. It was truly a needed protection in many instances. Also true about Nicholas and his temper, probably part of the reason why he can be the hero of the novel but still a realistic one, a hot-headed young man, who is trying to be an upright fellow despite all the conflicts already in his path.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Glad you are following along with me. This one is a bit slow going for me so knowing someone else is reading my posts makes it feel more worthwhile. :)
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