via susandennard.com
In conjunction with Epic Reads Book Club, Susan Dennard is hosting her own Book Club reading of her novel Something Strange and Deadly (sign up here). Each week, Susan will post a discussion question for Something Strange and Deadly and A Darkness Strange and Lovely.I'm going to stick to discussing Something Strange and Deadly, just in case some of my readers haven't had the opportunity to read A Darkness Strange and Lovely yet. I'd hate to spoil something!
Something Strange and Deadly Discussion Question
Eleanor’s mother expects a lot from poor El. She wants Eleanor to marry and save the family from financial ruin (despite the fact that Eleanor is only 16), she wants Eleanor to become friends with the rich “cool” kids (like Allison or the Virtue Sisters), and she wastes money the Fitt family doesn’t have on new gowns and fancy house decor. She demands Eleanor behave according to “proper etiquette” and squeeze into a corset that deforms her ribs.
Do you think, given the time period, Mrs. Fitt is justified in her demands on Eleanor? Why or why not?
Given the time period, no. I can't really fault Mrs. Fitt. I don't agree with her in the slightest, but I get it... kinda. In this period, this is all women really had to open for. A good standing in society and a rich husband. Things are even more dire for the Fitt family has the have no income coming in - dad had died and son has gone poof (in a way).
I can see the need/desire for Mrs. Fitt to keep up pretense. "See everything is fine! My daughter is such a catch, Clarence. See how fine she dresses and the nice clothes she wears! You should court her. Eleanor, don't forget the Grecian Bend!"
Side note: I tried walking around the house with the Grecian Bend. While I wasn't wearing a corset, it was not comfortable and Joe stated that it was in no way attractive. Different times, I guess.
I do feel bad for Eleanor. It can't feel good to have your mother pimp you out for the sake of status and money - even if she was luck enough to have her mother push her on someone like Clarence. Young, attractive, butt loads of money (yes, that was a monetary sum back then).
What about you? Do you think Mrs. Fitt was justified or completely off her rocker?
