Middlemarch is a) the greatest English novel and b) about a young woman who wants to do the most good that she can, but whose idealism is often hampered by her failure to understand social norms and the people around her. So if you’re reading this blog you’d probably like it.
naming the woman who cucks a carpenter sorrel=bitter herb…. naming a woman who sells herself into a marriage of convenience “harlet(h)”.,,,rascally Eliot
I think one reason fans buy into Lydgate’s self-image is that his relationship to Rosamond is kind of bizarre.
I don’t have the book in front of me, but he seems really solid and set, he decides he shouldn’t marry her and should focus on his work. Then she cries in front of him, he gets infected by a brain virus, kisses her tears, and they emerge engaged.
It does seem like you’re underestimating how self-sacrificial Lydgate is at certain times. He could have made much more money and led a much more comfortable life if he was anything but a doctor. He worked at the hospital for free for a long time. And yes, there is obviously some self-delusion, in that his own image of being a high-born gentleman unconcerned with money contradicted his actual position. He talks about robbing cadavers but then buys the most expensive furniture without thought or budgeting.
We could compare him to Caleb Garth. I guess the difference is that he and his family were used to it. There’s an understanding: we might starve because of the kind of man he is. But Lydgate isn't willing to be poor and humble, and his self-image of the ascetic scientist dissolves immediately upon the lightest contact with Rosamond’s expectations.
I feel like the way that he gets engaged to her, in spite of his plans, kind of shows how much his plans are worth? At least he’s not vronsky-ing and just leading on girls for fun. But him flirting with her while not intending to get married and then finding himself stuck is…exactly the problem. His intention not to get married justifies him in his own mind in flirting with her
Love this! Okay, but...is there actually any romantic tension between Lydgate and Dorothea? My impression was that Dorothea respects and pities Lydgate, but I didn't get the barest hint of a chance that they could end up together (in large part bc Lydgate marries Rosamund pretty early in the book, so he's not even single).
And Dorothea is not his type either!!!! Eliot must have intended readers to think maybe they could get together… but really they have like zero chemistry. Surely not a mistake Dodo would make twice
I didn't realize the tritagonist of Middlemarch was literally named Tertius... Eliot, you rascal!!!
naming the woman who cucks a carpenter sorrel=bitter herb…. naming a woman who sells herself into a marriage of convenience “harlet(h)”.,,,rascally Eliot
This is kinda rambly, sorry.
I think one reason fans buy into Lydgate’s self-image is that his relationship to Rosamond is kind of bizarre.
I don’t have the book in front of me, but he seems really solid and set, he decides he shouldn’t marry her and should focus on his work. Then she cries in front of him, he gets infected by a brain virus, kisses her tears, and they emerge engaged.
It does seem like you’re underestimating how self-sacrificial Lydgate is at certain times. He could have made much more money and led a much more comfortable life if he was anything but a doctor. He worked at the hospital for free for a long time. And yes, there is obviously some self-delusion, in that his own image of being a high-born gentleman unconcerned with money contradicted his actual position. He talks about robbing cadavers but then buys the most expensive furniture without thought or budgeting.
We could compare him to Caleb Garth. I guess the difference is that he and his family were used to it. There’s an understanding: we might starve because of the kind of man he is. But Lydgate isn't willing to be poor and humble, and his self-image of the ascetic scientist dissolves immediately upon the lightest contact with Rosamond’s expectations.
Great post.
I feel like the way that he gets engaged to her, in spite of his plans, kind of shows how much his plans are worth? At least he’s not vronsky-ing and just leading on girls for fun. But him flirting with her while not intending to get married and then finding himself stuck is…exactly the problem. His intention not to get married justifies him in his own mind in flirting with her
also it would be more impressive if he was working in the hospital for free if he wasn’t living in a big house with nice furniture meanwhile!!!
Love this! Okay, but...is there actually any romantic tension between Lydgate and Dorothea? My impression was that Dorothea respects and pities Lydgate, but I didn't get the barest hint of a chance that they could end up together (in large part bc Lydgate marries Rosamund pretty early in the book, so he's not even single).
And Dorothea is not his type either!!!! Eliot must have intended readers to think maybe they could get together… but really they have like zero chemistry. Surely not a mistake Dodo would make twice
Ah yes I am not the only one who sometimes takes months to publish my drafts.
I remember that Inkhaven feedback circle.
he’s called ladislaw because the smalltown anglos can’t pronounce his name btw, i remember that annoyed you
ohh so there is even an in-book reason for this! this satisfies me!