Thinking About Literary Stuff

Usually on Thursdays I spend some time pontificating and sharing my opinion about something newsworthy and culturally relevant. Today, not so much. This is what I'm thinking about. It's okay if you're not interested. Neither am I. I can't wait to get down to fleshing out my thesis statement to a satisfying 7 pages (in MLA format).

Mrs. Bennet, in Pride and Prejudice, and Emily Tallis, in Atonement, share a similar quality of ineffectuality. This ineffectuality is not as benign or stagnant a characteristic as it sounds. In their respective novels, you can clearly see how each mother has influenced the family dynamic and thereby shaped the action of the story. Were these mothers stronger or smarter or more present, neither novel would have unfolded the way it did.

This will be way more fun than blogging!

Comments

[Nora Bee]

Wow, you're like smart and stuff. Of course mothers rule the world.

[Jamie]

Way more fun than blogging? As Cher would say, "Snap out of it!"

[JCK]

Oh, you are ON sistuh! I need to read "Atonement."

[Chatty]

Yes. Just as refusing to make a decision is in itself a decision, not doing anything is in fact doing something - at least when it comes to having influence for good or ill within the confines of family dynamics. Interesting.

[Mary Alice]

Okay, I am a total nerd...because I think that sounds really interesting. Send me your paper so I can read it when you're finished!

[suburbancorrespondent]

For shame! You should know better than to blame the mothers!

[kcinnova]

Middle-aged women make the world go 'round. Or so says my DH.

I mean that in a most complimentary way, of course! :)

[Kellan]

That is a great observation. I wonder if the authors were actually using these mothers as focal piviting characters or if it just worked out that way?

Have a good day - Kellan

[Claudia]

Library and blogging, two of my favorite things. Not including, of course, wine, chocolate, sex, Yoga............

[Smalltown Mom]

Great books. Have fun.

[susan]

Nice thesis.

Although I'm feeling uneducated as I've never even heard of Atonement let alone read it. I'll get right on that!

[dlyn]

Now I want to read both of those books over again!

[melissa]

Wow, that's an interesting take. Love it. I think it plays out more in Atonement, however, since Mr. Bennett seems more involved as a father and Mr. Tallis was so absent...

[MereCat]

Geez. I used to be such a big literary fan, and I just realized how removed I have become. *sigh*

[bichonpawz]

Hi there! I stumbled upon your blog through a comment left on mine. And I'm so glad I did! I love your blog and will now be adding you to my blogroll. My ever-evolving blogroll. Best of luck on your thesis. More fun than blogging?? I am intrigued.

[Manic Mommy]

Perhaps you can post snippets as you write. I'd love to read more.

[Domestically Challenged]

Brilliantly concise!

Actually Mrs B is one of my fav. characters.

[David]

I'm so on Chatty's team!
Nerd as well, and uh, can you send me your paper?

[Denise]

Love, love, love Atonement. What a fun paper!

[Jennifer H]

I was so glad I read Atonement before seeing the movie. (The book was better. But I love James McAvoy.)

That's an interesting take on the two mothers and, as a mother, you're in a great position to write about this.

[phd in yogurtry]

I too would like a copy to read. Quite a toothy topic. I like the sounds of it. Makes sense, too. I also loved both books - they rank as my faves.

Don't much like the part about mothers who aren't paying enough attention, thus allowing havoc to ensue, but there you have it. We mothers are the source of all good AND evil in the universe. My shoulders can take it.