1. Have your feelings changed towards Mr. Thornton during this section of the book?
Nope! Still swooning hard!
2. Have your feelings towards Margaret changed? Not really, I think my perspective of all the characters comes from the BBC mini series, and I like them all.
3. What do you think about the riot and how Margaret and Mr. Thornton reacted? I thought Margaret was very bold to ridicule Thornton and tell him to go out there. I thought she was brave for going out there herself to try to calm the people. I LOVED Mr. Thornton's reaction to Margaret getting hit. It was one of the best moments in the book.
4. Do you think Boucher's anger and actions were justified? I can't blame the guy for being concerned and scared. I think his overwhelming emotions came out in anger. I don't think joining the riot was the right thing to do, but I feel bad for him and his starving children.
5. Did Bess's or Mrs. Hale's deaths effect you in any way? I felt really bad for Mr. Higgins and Mary. They obviously loved Bess very much. I think Bess's death effected me more than Mrs. Hale's. I think the book prepares the reader for Mrs. Hale's death.
6. Were you surprised to learn that it wasn't common for women to attend funerals? What are your feelings on that tidbit? I thought it was pretty weird. I didn't even know it was an issue. They didn't go because they didn't want to show emotion? That is strange to me. It is okay to mourn.
7. Now that we've met Frederick, do you like him? Are you sympathetic to his predicament? I like Frederick. His story intrigues me for some reason. He needs his own book. I want to know more about him, the mutiny, Dolores, and his life in Cadiz. He seems like a nice fellow.8. What are your feelings on Mr. Thornton's proposal?
If Margaret won't marry him, then I will!
I thought it was a hasty proposal. He didn't even take time to court the girl. He didn't really know how she felt. He speculated about her feelings a lot, especially after the riot incident.
I also think Margaret is SO BLIND! How can she not notice his watchful gaze and kind acts of service?
9. If you were in Mr. Thornton's place, having seen the person you love with a stranger late at night, then finding out that person was questioned by the police and lied, would you do the same thing Mr. Thornton did? Would you protect that person even though you think they have done questionable things? I would be angry. I don't know if I would help that person. I'd have to love them an awful lot, but then I'd feel a bit betrayed. I don't know.
10. Do you think Margaret's feelings towards Mr. Thornton have changed? Why? I think she is warming up. I like how last night someone mentioned losing Bess and her mother humbled Margaret and bit, and she is more open or sensitive to Mr. Thornton's actions. I like seeing her opinions change. I think she noticing him a lot more. 
I have never seen the show or read the book before so it's curious that I'm not reading it as a romance as those of you who have enjoyed the show do.
ReplyDeleteAll your gifs show Mr Thornton as very hunky and doting and smouldering, but on a first read that is not so obvious.
I'm reading this more as a coming of age story for Margaret...where she learns to become independent, think for herself, manage her own finances, stand by her opinions, learn by her mistakes, oh, and fall in love :-)
Brona: It's really nice to have the perspective of someone not tainted and influenced by the show. I can totally see what you are saying, that's a coming of age, romance included! :)
DeleteI agree Brona. I haven't seen the show so I'm going from the descriptions in the book. Mr. Thornton seems very aloof, only observing Margaret when it is safe to do so. His kindnesses seem to be directed towards people she cares about and not her. At first he is quite insulted by her bad manners and high mindedness. I wasn't quite sure why she rejected Mr. Lennox when she seemed to get along so well with him in London. She would then have been included in all the circles she was used to and maintained her relationship with her cousin Edith. Of course if she had, the story would have ended before it began. And also it shows Margaret's immaturity. I agree, this is a coming of age story for Margaret. I also think Mr. Thornton has some growing to do. He's worked so hard to gain social position and wealth that now it is time for him to work on people skills before he can successfully draw others to him.
DeleteI can see that. I do enjoy the book and movie for other reasons as well. I just love Richard Armitage!
DeleteAh, the slow-mo gifs! So much fun! :) And he looks so mad in the proposal clip! I think he would actually scare me to death! Awesome answers... AND questions! On to the end!
ReplyDeletehe does look mad, I would have been scared!
DeleteLove the gifs. I can't wait to watch the movie with you guys and I'm thinking it's time for a reread.
ReplyDeleteYou can still join our read along!
DeleteI like the gifs, too. It's so interesting to see your thoughts, especially since you've only seen the movie. I wonder if that will change how I view the story. :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder that too.
DeleteI love that you put so many gifs in your posts, lol. I bet you're having fun looking them all up. and, I agree about Margaret. She is blind! Ugh!
ReplyDeleteAh, I love your gifs! As always. :D And yes! How can Margaret not see?! He's so obvious. Also, I think you're right. Ms. Gaskell prepares us for Mrs. Hale's death, but Bess' was so sudden. And I felt SO sorry for Mary and Nicholas. I just love the Higginses.
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DeleteI love the Higgins too.
DeleteGreat answers. I agree that it would be nice to know more about Frederick's story. Hopefully we will learn a little more about him before the story ends. Love the gifs as well.
ReplyDeleteOh I love these gifs! I'm watching the series, but haven't seen some of these looks by Thornton/Armitage.
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