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Sarah Waters: Books & Movies Discussion
Brown Eyes:
Thanks for that great review M!
So, what do you make of the relationship between Selina and Ruth Vigers? It's hard to really get a grasp on how the dynamics of their situation work... and how much genuine affection they have for one another.
Oooooooooo, and you brought up Helen! She's such a frustrating character. She seems so sweet and likable, but what a terrible thing... to break up with Margaret only to marry her brother. Ugh. But, I also feel really sorry for Helen. She reminds me a lot of Ennis (except she has a cheerier disposition than Ennis). She seems to have turned to a conventional lifestyle out of a desire for security, etc. As Margaret immediately notes, it's very sad when she talks about her married life not being "so bad."
I have lots of other observations and questions, but am still at work... So, I need to run for now.
Lumière:
Hey bud. :)
--- Quote from: atz75 on September 18, 2008, 04:50:47 pm ---So, what do you make of the relationship between Selina and Ruth Vigers? It's hard to really get a grasp on how the dynamics of their situation work... and how much genuine affection they have for one another.
--- End quote ---
I think that Ruth and Selina were partners in love and crime... in a sort of codependent and dysfunctional relationship.
Vigers was older and seemed to have control over Selina from the start.
She probably came up with some of the big ideas for their 'schemes'.
What was that remark she made to Selina in the end? "Remember whose girl you are." This suggests some skewed power dynamics to me.
--- Quote ---And, certain elements of Selina's trickery with "Peter Quick" and the unsuspecting young women, really are pretty disturbing. : (
--- End quote ---
I couldn't agree with you more about this..hence my use of the word dysfunctional above.
They were willing to do absolutely anything, it would seem, to get money.
Makes me wonder if Vigers was the brains behind the whole Peter Quick scam. Wouldn't doubt it.
Boy, I need to read the novel again. :)
Lumière:
--- Quote from: atz75 on September 17, 2008, 01:39:41 pm ---...
No worries. I'll read Beyond the Pale. :)
--- End quote ---
Was meaning to reply to this..
You have to read it. You will love it, I am sure.
I am getting to the final chapters now and I don't feel ready to finish the novel yet.
Let me know when you get it! ;)
Lumière:
Okay, back to Affinity for a moment...
I was wondering why they added the Theophilus character to the film.
He didn't really seem to serve a purpose except maybe to add another layer of nagging irritation to Margaret's life (from her perspective anyway), what with her controlling mother, and the unfinished business with Helen. I guess his presence emphasized the point that Margaret was not interested in marriage (she kept turning down his proposals and advances).. she was not willing to take the conventional route as Helen had done.
I would love to hear some of your thoughts on the Theo character.
After watching the film yesterday for the first time, I figured it could've done without him, lol, but I need another viewing. Maybe I am missing something other than the points mentioned above.
Lumière:
A little bit about Helen...
You are right. She is a likeable enough character... even though she is a source of pain for Margaret.
We know that they must've loved each other a lot when they were younger. But Helen 'grew up' and decided that it was time to live more 'conventionally'.
Remember when Kitty told Nan: "Can't you see? We couldn't carry on as we were.." before going off and marrying Walter Bliss... Same kind of deal here. Margaret was still very much in love in Helen. We can see that. It didn't help that Helen was married to her brother and was forever in her life, never allowing Margaret the space to completely move on.
I wish Margaret had found the happiness and love she craved.
I just wish things had worked out differently with Selina. :(
--- Quote from: atz75 on September 18, 2008, 04:50:47 pm --- As Margaret immediately notes, it's very sad when she talks about her married life not being "so bad."
--- End quote ---
I know. :-\
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