In reading Hope Leslie
I am intrigued at reading the quote, which begins each chapter and then
connecting it to the ensuing chapter. Volume II chapter III began with the
quote “I could find in my heart to disgrace my man’s apparel, and to cry like a
woman.” The quote suggests abandoning masculinity and embracing a more
sensitive side, open to feeling emotions. After reading the chapter I believe
that the quote refers to Sir Philip’s uncertainty of his love life and his
internal struggle to find happiness.
Chapter IV begins, with the quote “I should have been more
strange I must confess, But that thou overheard’st me, ere I was ‘ware My
love’s true passion: therefore, pardon me, And not impute this yielding to
light love” – Romeo and Juliet. I believe that this quote mimics the scene from
the chapter when Hope realizes her feelings for Everell on page 219 and her
sadness of loosing his attention and affection. Similarly, Everll realizes on
page 229 that he had misinterpreted Hope’s sentiments and that she has strong
feelings for him just as he does for her. Both parties, unaware, or unable to
realize their feelings were not able to act upon them.
I also have looked at the gender roles in this novel and found that the roles could have been simplified if the characters had avoided the stereotypical roles created and been honest with one another. Being straightforward with emotions never really happens throughout the novel. There are several instances of characters being the third person and acting on the realities of what they saw compared to the actual parties involved who should have been moving the action forward. We have the example on pg. 222 where Hope turns a blind eye to her feelings and tells Everell and Esther they should be together. This also happens on pg. 346 when Magawisca from her third person point of view sees Hope and Everell are meant to be together. These are just a couple more examples of characters not acting on their own feelings and relying on others to pave the way for fulfilling their personal agendas. From your post and my reflection I think it is safe to say Sedgwick has created multiple characters that are incapable of realizing their feelings and acting upon them without the assistance of another party.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the observation that the quotes at the beginning of the chapter have a very direct correlation with the plot which follows in the text. I think another great example of this trend comes from the beginning of Chapter V, which incorporates a quote from A Midsummer Night's Dream. It reads," The sisters' vows, the hours that we have spent, When we have child the nasty footed time, For parting us-- Oh, and all is forgot?" This links to the storyline because it is in this chapter that the newly united sisters are again separated when the Indians are ambushed.
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