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Monday 15 April 2019

Starting Washington Square

I’m reading Washington Square, an obvious choice after Reading Lolita in Tehran
At the moment, I don’t have much to say, except to point out that the narrator is hilarious. I mean: 
“He had no particular theory on the subject; it had scarcely as yet become a necessity of self-defence to have a collection of theories.  It simply appeared to him proper and reasonable that a well-bred young woman should not carry half her fortune on her back.  Catherine’s back was a broad one, and would have carried a good deal; but to the weight of the paternal displeasure she never ventured to expose it…” (Ch.3) 
Later: 
“On this basis an understanding was easily arrived at, and for several years Catherine fraternised with her young kinsmen.  I say young kinsmen, because seven of the little Almonds were boys, and Catherine had a preference for those games which are most conveniently played in trousers.  By degrees, however, the little Almonds’ trousers began to lengthen, and the wearers to disperse and settle themselves in life.” (ibid.) 
Or this line: 
“The Doctor’s wine was admirable, and it may be communicated to the reader that while he sipped it Morris reflected that a cellar-full of good liquor—there was evidently a cellar-full here—would be a most attractive idiosyncrasy in a father-in-law.” (Ch.7) 
I might find something to write about later. It’s enjoyable, and easy to read. People say Henry James is unreadable, that could be true, but not true for Washington Square
Meanwhile, check out these posts from Tom at Wuthering Expectations about how rich Catherine Sloper is. 
https://wutheringexpectations.blogspot.com/2012/04/your-daughter-will-be-immensely-rich.html
https://wutheringexpectations.blogspot.com/2012/04/you-think-too-much-about-money-getting.html
I didn’t realise she’s that rich. That affects your whole reading of the book.

4 comments:

  1. i've never been able to read HJ... but this sounds pretty interesting; it'll be interesting to see how you interpret it...

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  2. i've never been able to read HJ... but this sounds pretty interesting; it'll be interesting to see how you interpret it...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Maybe I should just write about money in fiction. Those posts are not so bad.

    muddy, read this one, it is as easy or easier than many of the books you read. It has, for example, short chapters. Little, punchy chapters. Not normal for James!

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  4. Yeah, it's easy to read, with short chapters, quite a lot of dialogue, and only 4 main characters. The language is easy.
    I'm enjoying it a lot.

    Tom, write more about money. Write about money in Jane Austen.

    ReplyDelete

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