10/17/12
I'm starting to feel a little lost and even dizzy reading this book. It's like there are two entirely different stories being told simultaneously and it's very hard to follow what is going on when. For example, in one chapter, Mattie is going for rides with Royal and kissing out on the lake, in the next she is running around a creaky old hotel trying to burn secret letters that belonged to a dead girl. It's as if there are two Matties, one who is scared and confused and not knowing what to do, and one who is confident and bright and content with her lot, for at least the time being. I almost don't want Mattie to go away to college; to marry Royal and have a beautiful family and live on the farm. I want her to understand that she doesn't HAVE to go gallivanting all over to write and that she can find happiness in her own home, in her own town, writing about the people she cares so much about. Her teacher, Miss Wilcox, is not entirely right when she says that, "She needs the challenge...and the guidance...to improve" (166). Miss Wilcox doesn't seem to understand Mattie's true desire. The only thing Mattie, "wanted was my own story and no one else's" (192). I admire Miss Wilcox's individuality, but I think that she is fundamentally lonely and is looking for someone to be her companion. Furthermore, I believe that Miss Wilcox is convinced that seeing Mattie go to college will fill some void in her that has isolated her from her community and made her an outcast. I think Miss Wilcox even envies Mattie a little because of Royal. I think Miss Wilcox alienated other people so much that no man ever felt any desire to be with her. Mattie, however, is a kind, caring, and intelligent girl who believes in the best in people, even though she may not show it often. For example, when Mattie is out on the lake with Royal, she sees a side of him that is completely new to her, a side where, "his quietness masked a great and boiling soul" (188). I am of the personal opinion that going away to college would be awful for Mattie because once she leaves, she will never be able to enjoy the simple things that she enjoys now and she will probably never find another person who cares for her the way Royal does. I honestly wouldn't be surprised or disappointed if they end up getting married.
Its definitely hard to follow the story line. The chapters keep switching back and forth between the 2 time periods. I think its a way for the author to get a feel for what Mattie was thinking at the time, and maybe the background in the next chapter to explain her reasoning. Or maybe its just so that the reader doesn't get to annoyed with the same story over and over again. Who knows.
ReplyDeleteDeear Mary,
ReplyDeleteYes, I too am finding it very difficult to comprehend all that is going on throughout this story. I found myself flipping through pages seeing letters that Mattie found in a hotel on one page to Mattie and Royal's relationship on the next page. This type of thing really confuses me. Anyways, to move on, I very much like your last quote and how you explained that it explains Miss Wilcox's individuality. I believe that Miss Willcox plays a major role in Mattie's life and her actions will affect Mattie later on in the story.
Sincerely, Brandon.
I agree with you that the plot of the story seems to not be in chronological order. It is confusing at times, but the author had a reason to put the novel in that order. In addition, I disagree with your desire for Mattie to marry Royal. I want Mattie to go to college. It is what every one of Mattie's friends want. Also, the author, Jennifer Donnelly, has been shaping Mattie to go to college. From Weaver to Ms. Wilcox's influence on her. Also, I do not think that Ms. Wilcox is jealous of Mattie. She is an individual person and likes it that way.
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