tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post230017317892066229..comments2023-05-04T08:28:44.100-04:00Comments on Bookworm Meets Bookworm: Discussion One of The Age of Innocence Read-AlongBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05572049077903171939noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-9348463960093146442011-02-17T08:43:13.280-05:002011-02-17T08:43:13.280-05:00Jessica, I was definitely feeling the same way abo...Jessica, I was definitely feeling the same way about Archer; he's a character you'll most likely love and hate. The rules are a bit daunting but maybe that's another aspect. Archer frequently confesses that most of these rules are dull and it lets the reader in on that feeling.<br /><br />Risa- Initially, I had my reservations but am really loving it. We're only seeing things from Archer's perspective and I can see where it would be annoying with the way he changes his opinion so frequently. I like that you made the comment about May; I agree! Glad you're participating. Can't wait to discuss again in March!Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05572049077903171939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-28312582034886530372011-02-17T05:07:34.392-05:002011-02-17T05:07:34.392-05:00To be honest, I've been struggling a great dea...To be honest, I've been struggling a great deal with this book! While I understand that Wharton is poking gentle fun at NEW YORK society of that time, I find her method of doing so very tedious and boring. Through most of the first book I feel like she keeps 'telling' me WHAT I should think of each character - I am not allowed any leeway to form my own opinion. Perhaps, this is intentional, but I don't care for it at all! <br /><br />As regards NY society, itself, I find it quite interesting. As Beth says in her main post, it is just an infant when compared to European societies. I found myself constantly comparing its stringent rules to that of English society at around the same time or perhaps even before that time. <br /><br />So far, I'm struggling with Archer's character, though I find May and Ellen rather interesting. I think in portraying these two women Wharton has done a pretty good job thus far. And, I see more life in May than Archer seems to give her credit for.Songhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09707280327803432082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-52841035666353913242011-02-17T04:29:16.129-05:002011-02-17T04:29:16.129-05:00Archer makes me cringe when he talks about how he ...Archer makes me cringe when he talks about how he will open Mays eyes after they are married, it reminds me off pygmalion and I don't think May wll change now.<br /><br />The countess is very different to what I was expecting, she is going against the grain and living her own life but at the same time she is very vulnerable.<br /><br />I am finding the characters interesting but I have to admit that the whole New York thing with its describtions of all the social rules are boring me abit.Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08861424110678889637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-84505694855787618962011-02-16T14:44:07.811-05:002011-02-16T14:44:07.811-05:00Nymeth- Join in! I'll be hosting the discussi...Nymeth- Join in! I'll be hosting the discussion of the entire novel on March 3rd! I'd love to hear your thoughts!<br /><br />Melissa- Wharton is the queen of snark and probably one of the reasons I enjoy her work so much. I agree completley. Brenna made a great point in that Archer is exploring sudden realizations that he maybe never considered before. By today's standards it's completely backwards, but then it was definitely more progressive than the majority of men in his position and age. I'm really loving it, too! Thanks for participating!Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05572049077903171939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-89548707474234646952011-02-16T14:08:04.825-05:002011-02-16T14:08:04.825-05:00Great quote! I love how Wharton sneaks in those sh...Great quote! I love how Wharton sneaks in those shrewd criticisms of society.<br /><br />Archer's attitude toward women is so interesting. He wants them to have opinions and 'freedom', but only under his own guidance (unless he can't figure out his own opinion). Even still, he influences Ellen's decision on her divorce, but is then unhappy with the choice he made for her - same thing about his wedding being sooner than later.<br /><br />I can't wait to read more of Book 2. (I didn't realize how much time passes in the book.)<br /><br />MelissaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-16236381981757410842011-02-16T12:42:43.090-05:002011-02-16T12:42:43.090-05:00I wish I had joined you! I have this book on my TB...I wish I had joined you! I have this book on my TBR pile and I've been meaning to get to it. I love your analysis of book one, especially the gender angle.Ana S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16092495983972185943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-36217800457047627182011-02-16T10:40:07.866-05:002011-02-16T10:40:07.866-05:00I agree completely. Archer certainly has this tam...I agree completely. Archer certainly has this tamed inner dialogue and very much struggles to work against the grain of societal norms. He understands that in situations his ideas are largely contradictory; however, in a growing age it's to be expected.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05572049077903171939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980093669604155928.post-18020167473138211752011-02-16T10:19:46.666-05:002011-02-16T10:19:46.666-05:00Beth, I've got to agree with you that this tur...Beth, I've got to agree with you that this turned out to be a great choice for the read-along! There is so much to discuss. <br /><br />I think the passage you chose to open your discussion is a perfect one - the idea that "Old New York" plays a significant role in Archer's life, dictating his thoughts as well as his hesitations. As you mentioned, I think he believes he encourages freedom for women, while at the same time labeling them in a negative way as they do think for themselves, demonstrates his struggles with these new ideas.Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10780185535345559390noreply@blogger.com