sjones
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response 200 of 207:
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Dec 14 14:09 UTC 1998 |
is this one not really working for people, then? the first big clue i
can think of is that the film version is probably far better known - and
also that the tone of the extract is a fair guide to figuring out its
approximate date... especially (i think) that 'insensibly driven'...!
and happy anniversary, remmers! does your guess have a film
version?...)
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sjones
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response 203 of 207:
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Dec 14 20:31 UTC 1998 |
i can see why forster, but this predates him, although not by a great
deal. on the back of my copy, the publisher's blurb describes it as
'the only novel that ranks with 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' as a genuine
American folk possession' - although i'd better come clean and admit
that took me somewhat by surprise.
i'm *fairly* sure, remmers, that if the text you have in mind doesn't
have film connections, it's probably off-course - *i* was very much more
aware of the film than the book.
here's a little more, then:
'Let us add now, the world - always cunning enough of itself; always
whispering to the weak, Stay, take thine ease; always presenting the
sunny side of life - the world was in this instance helped by (his)
companion.
"Were you ever at Rome?" he asked.
"No," Esther replied.
"Would you like to go?"
"I think not."
"Why?"
"I am afraid of Rome," she answered with a perceptible tremor of
the voice.
He looked at her then - or rather down upon her, for at his side she
appeared little more than a child. In the dim light he could not see
her face distinctly; even the form was shadowy. But again he was
reminded of Tirzah, and a sudden tenderness fell upon him - just so the
lost sister stood with him on the house-top the calamitous morning of
the accident to Gratus. Poor Tirzah! Where was she now? Esther had
the benefit of the feeling evoked. If not his sister, he could never
look upon her as his servant; and that she was his servant in fact would
make him always the more considerate and gentle towards her.'
hope that hasn't given too much away...
i'm off home to wales for a fortnight tomorrow, but i'll try and check
in as often as i can...
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remmers
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response 204 of 207:
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Dec 15 14:29 UTC 1998 |
That characterization of the work as a "genuine American folk
possession", ranking with "Uncle Tom's Cabin", *should* be a big clue I
guess, though it doesn't suggest anything offhand. (Well, it does tell
us that the author is American, I suppose.)
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