If anyone would make a TV adaptation of Villette by Charlotte Bronte the song that I would like as a soundtrack is "Lonely Day" by System of a down. You can hear it here in youtube watch?v=nDNop18fEMA
I think the ending is a reflection on the reader. I had no problem believing that Paul lived and they were able to be together.
They express it here as being completely obvious that he died. Maybe from a literary criticism point of view it is obvious. However, I think it reflects Charlotte's common theme of innocence/maturity -- she allows you to find your own place in it. To not take the road of pessimism that she often walks.
I agree that it is a reflection of a reader since there are people who can imagine a happy ending,but CB intended differently. In fact the double ending was due to her father's request that the book should have a happy ending. But Charlotte knew he would drown and could not lie so she chose an in-between. She wrote to her publisher (her Graham) that she never meant to appoint Lucy lines in pleasant places. She leaves the heroine in the end where she herself is standing.A lonely determined woman.
She seems to be saying if you can not handle this, then illusion yourself! The first time I read it I was confused. Re-reading the end made me understand that he was drown. You see there is that certain sentence of hers: Madame Beck prospered all the days of her life; so did Pere Silas;Madame Walravens fulfilled her ninetieth year before she died. Why to mention those people if not to show the injustice of life?To show us their fate?Who cares?They were mean to her&Paul was drown for their sakes.
And then why the 3 happiest years of her life was when she was expecting him?Because he never arrived and at least then there was hope in her life?
Villette was not meant to be a love story. Love was twice there in Lucy Snowe's life but not to foster and cherish and heal past wounds,but to make her understand herself. After Graham she realizes she doesn't want to be a bright lady's shadow. After Paul she has loved and lost, but at least she lived. She is stronger now.
To end with I would not forgive her had she given a happy but false ending like in Shirley. It is always difficult to write of happiness when you don't feel it.
This is a tale about people that have born in the dark side of the moon. It is an effort to come to terms with reality and loneliness, alienation and death. But still there is such a fierce determination, that the central meaning for me is "Hell, we won't die!".
That's exactly it though. Fiction isn't stagnant. Canon is canon but every reader brings to a novel their own prejudices, expectations, and desires. Perhaps she was the happiest when he was gone because she had that love for him in her heart which made her existence brighter whether or not he was with her?
We all make assumptions while we are reading, and especially here where we are granted the right to choose our own ending in a sense, I don't think it makes a positive reading less valuable and certain not less "right". I think Lucy is a strong woman and could make an independent life no matter whether Paul returned or not.
Yes Charlotte does leave an option. And I can see them together without Lucy compromising her independence. And although I believe she had already sufficiently explored in JE the theme "happiness after struggles" (that a positive reading would suggest as the main meaning of this book) I understand and respect your saying that anyone can read a book in whatever way he/she chooses.
Just personally I am always interested in knowing what the author intended to show with his work, especially with artists like C.B., who drew so close to their life. And her letters make it clear. She even used to joke that "the lenient readers will let Paul drown rather than marry that person...that Lucy Snowe".
I would be interested though to see how many believe Villette to have a happy ending. I may ask all the people that have participated in commenting these videos to share their take on.
Hi! I am looking again my comments and I am afraid lest I seem to you more aggressive than passionate :). I really appreciated your comments and I always like to hear different opinions. As I wrote in your channel there are not so many people to discuss Villette with. So I apologize if I offended you in anyway. Friends?
@ksotikoula Given the complexity of the narrative, not just in terms of language that Charlotte employs but the kind of story she's attempting to portray, would warn lenient reader to pursue Villette no further than the introductory pages. So certainly it is not surprising that you find few interested in it, fewer still inclined to discuss it. But this is a safe territory. I think this is Charlotte's best work, followed by Shirley and JE. You seem not to like Shirley very well, do you?
I e-mailed "The Diane Rehm Show" to make a Reader's review about "Jane Eyre" mentioning what I'd like them to discuss about the book.I did it through here:the wamu org(then)programs (then) dr (then) contact us (then means /).Can't post it as url.If more people asked the same thing she could agree(especially if they live in America).You can participate in the effort+also notify your friends.Let's cross our fingers!If she does it,it'll be in 2009 as there's already a 2008 schedule.
I have tried to read this, and tried to read this, and I get as far as where she goes into the garden at night, and the doctor is there, and I'm tired of it. From the first there is a struggle. I found it silly, and unbelievable. I'm glad that I heard this commentary. I won't pick it up again. Thank you so much.
1)I don't understand how the commentary made you decide not to pick up the book again
2)It's a difficult novel until you accept the fact that there is no obvious plot and by this you have understood half of what Bonte meant. If you are not satisfied with Lucy's life how is she who lives it supposed to bear it?
3)It's a common source of unhappiness waiting all your life for things that just won't come and feeling cursed and alienated because of it.
So the main plot and theme are both correct, realistic and by no means silly. Unless you are of these priviledged creatures that everything came conveniently easy in their lives and have never felt stagnation or loneliness so they can comfortably make fun of Lucy's depression.
I am not trying to persuade you to read or like the novel. It is in a way disagreeable to really experience the depression and lack of hope her heroine feels, but she manages to survive. :)
No problem! I love the Brontes (especially Charlotte) and it is really a shame that "Villette" is a book so litle known. Let alone that comments on the book is hard to find anyway.
ksotikoula, the thing is I love reading but also love history and biographies, and I love to see the places and the faces of people I admire, no matter the quality ;D. So, thanks again.
Well about the images if I could find them in a better quality, the effect would be much different but I had to make do with what I found on internet. What matters here is the sound however. Thanks for your kind words anyway!
I love Diane Rehm. I think she is a national treasure and listen to her show everyday. I can't believe I havn't heard this broadcast but she has done a lot of shows. Thanks for posting.
I had never heard of her (living in Europe). Someone in the C19 mentioned the show and then I thought to upload it in a more popular site as reviews as this as rare.
I had another idea! I just mailed the station and the show of Diane Rehm to suggest a reader's review about "Jane Eyre". Maybe if the petitions were more we might convince her to do it. Tell me your opinion or try to concentrate anyone interested.
Holy balls. I love you for uploading this! I love everything you upload. We are soulmates.
tomatoherb 11 months ago
If anyone would make a TV adaptation of Villette by Charlotte Bronte the song that I would like as a soundtrack is "Lonely Day" by System of a down. You can hear it here in youtube watch?v=nDNop18fEMA
ksotikoula 1 year ago
I think the ending is a reflection on the reader. I had no problem believing that Paul lived and they were able to be together.
They express it here as being completely obvious that he died. Maybe from a literary criticism point of view it is obvious. However, I think it reflects Charlotte's common theme of innocence/maturity -- she allows you to find your own place in it. To not take the road of pessimism that she often walks.
kalaway 2 years ago 2
I agree that it is a reflection of a reader since there are people who can imagine a happy ending,but CB intended differently. In fact the double ending was due to her father's request that the book should have a happy ending. But Charlotte knew he would drown and could not lie so she chose an in-between. She wrote to her publisher (her Graham) that she never meant to appoint Lucy lines in pleasant places. She leaves the heroine in the end where she herself is standing.A lonely determined woman.
ksotikoula 2 years ago
She seems to be saying if you can not handle this, then illusion yourself! The first time I read it I was confused. Re-reading the end made me understand that he was drown. You see there is that certain sentence of hers: Madame Beck prospered all the days of her life; so did Pere Silas;Madame Walravens fulfilled her ninetieth year before she died. Why to mention those people if not to show the injustice of life?To show us their fate?Who cares?They were mean to her&Paul was drown for their sakes.
ksotikoula 2 years ago
And then why the 3 happiest years of her life was when she was expecting him?Because he never arrived and at least then there was hope in her life?
Villette was not meant to be a love story. Love was twice there in Lucy Snowe's life but not to foster and cherish and heal past wounds,but to make her understand herself. After Graham she realizes she doesn't want to be a bright lady's shadow. After Paul she has loved and lost, but at least she lived. She is stronger now.
ksotikoula 2 years ago
To end with I would not forgive her had she given a happy but false ending like in Shirley. It is always difficult to write of happiness when you don't feel it.
This is a tale about people that have born in the dark side of the moon. It is an effort to come to terms with reality and loneliness, alienation and death. But still there is such a fierce determination, that the central meaning for me is "Hell, we won't die!".
ksotikoula 2 years ago
In her own words:
"If life be a war, it seemed my destiny to conduct it single-handed. I pondered now how to break up my winter-quarters--to leave an
encampment where food and forage failed. Perhaps, to effect this change, another pitched battle must be fought with fortune; if so, I
had a mind to the encounter: too poor to lose, God might destine me to gain."
ksotikoula 2 years ago
That's exactly it though. Fiction isn't stagnant. Canon is canon but every reader brings to a novel their own prejudices, expectations, and desires. Perhaps she was the happiest when he was gone because she had that love for him in her heart which made her existence brighter whether or not he was with her?
kalaway 2 years ago
We all make assumptions while we are reading, and especially here where we are granted the right to choose our own ending in a sense, I don't think it makes a positive reading less valuable and certain not less "right". I think Lucy is a strong woman and could make an independent life no matter whether Paul returned or not.
kalaway 2 years ago
Yes Charlotte does leave an option. And I can see them together without Lucy compromising her independence. And although I believe she had already sufficiently explored in JE the theme "happiness after struggles" (that a positive reading would suggest as the main meaning of this book) I understand and respect your saying that anyone can read a book in whatever way he/she chooses.
ksotikoula 2 years ago
Just personally I am always interested in knowing what the author intended to show with his work, especially with artists like C.B., who drew so close to their life. And her letters make it clear. She even used to joke that "the lenient readers will let Paul drown rather than marry that person...that Lucy Snowe".
I would be interested though to see how many believe Villette to have a happy ending. I may ask all the people that have participated in commenting these videos to share their take on.
ksotikoula 2 years ago
Hi! I am looking again my comments and I am afraid lest I seem to you more aggressive than passionate :). I really appreciated your comments and I always like to hear different opinions. As I wrote in your channel there are not so many people to discuss Villette with. So I apologize if I offended you in anyway. Friends?
ksotikoula 2 years ago
@ksotikoula Given the complexity of the narrative, not just in terms of language that Charlotte employs but the kind of story she's attempting to portray, would warn lenient reader to pursue Villette no further than the introductory pages. So certainly it is not surprising that you find few interested in it, fewer still inclined to discuss it. But this is a safe territory. I think this is Charlotte's best work, followed by Shirley and JE. You seem not to like Shirley very well, do you?
RushTheSilver 1 year ago
Comment removed
kalaway 2 years ago
Hi C.B. fans!
I e-mailed "The Diane Rehm Show" to make a Reader's review about "Jane Eyre" mentioning what I'd like them to discuss about the book.I did it through here:the wamu org(then)programs (then) dr (then) contact us (then means /).Can't post it as url.If more people asked the same thing she could agree(especially if they live in America).You can participate in the effort+also notify your friends.Let's cross our fingers!If she does it,it'll be in 2009 as there's already a 2008 schedule.
ksotikoula 3 years ago
I have tried to read this, and tried to read this, and I get as far as where she goes into the garden at night, and the doctor is there, and I'm tired of it. From the first there is a struggle. I found it silly, and unbelievable. I'm glad that I heard this commentary. I won't pick it up again. Thank you so much.
sparkleplenty101 3 years ago
For some reason my answer doesn't show. I've sent it also be message to you. Let us hope it will work.
ksotikoula 3 years ago
1)I don't understand how the commentary made you decide not to pick up the book again
2)It's a difficult novel until you accept the fact that there is no obvious plot and by this you have understood half of what Bonte meant. If you are not satisfied with Lucy's life how is she who lives it supposed to bear it?
3)It's a common source of unhappiness waiting all your life for things that just won't come and feeling cursed and alienated because of it.
ksotikoula 3 years ago
So the main plot and theme are both correct, realistic and by no means silly. Unless you are of these priviledged creatures that everything came conveniently easy in their lives and have never felt stagnation or loneliness so they can comfortably make fun of Lucy's depression.
I am not trying to persuade you to read or like the novel. It is in a way disagreeable to really experience the depression and lack of hope her heroine feels, but she manages to survive. :)
ksotikoula 3 years ago
Thank you, thank you for sharing!
julia59 3 years ago
No problem! I love the Brontes (especially Charlotte) and it is really a shame that "Villette" is a book so litle known. Let alone that comments on the book is hard to find anyway.
ksotikoula 3 years ago
ksotikoula, the thing is I love reading but also love history and biographies, and I love to see the places and the faces of people I admire, no matter the quality ;D. So, thanks again.
IceBarrier 3 years ago
Amazing, thanks. Very interesting images about Bronte sisters. Even I haven't read the book, I don't mind spoilers ;D. I'm on my way to get it!
IceBarrier 3 years ago
Well about the images if I could find them in a better quality, the effect would be much different but I had to make do with what I found on internet. What matters here is the sound however. Thanks for your kind words anyway!
ksotikoula 3 years ago
I love Diane Rehm. I think she is a national treasure and listen to her show everyday. I can't believe I havn't heard this broadcast but she has done a lot of shows. Thanks for posting.
Anogram 3 years ago
I had never heard of her (living in Europe). Someone in the C19 mentioned the show and then I thought to upload it in a more popular site as reviews as this as rare.
ksotikoula 3 years ago
I had another idea! I just mailed the station and the show of Diane Rehm to suggest a reader's review about "Jane Eyre". Maybe if the petitions were more we might convince her to do it. Tell me your opinion or try to concentrate anyone interested.
ksotikoula 3 years ago