Alright, so I have to admit: this book is getting better. I'm still finding it hard to follow sometimes and find myself having to go back and read things over. However, I'm also finding myself wishing I was finishing this book while listening to other lectures in my classes :)
So today in class we were talking about whether this book could be constituted as a feminist novel. Truth to be told, the actions of many women in this story embarrass womankind everywhere. Pinning over men who are married seems to be a good one. Also, entering a relationship and acting like a lovesick puppy when you are ‘pretty sure’ your husband is dead. I am aware that this novel was set in the 1800 and that maybe women weren’t expected to be more than ‘ladies’; but anybody who only worries about out-dressing their sister needs a reality check. The only women who act in a decent manner are Lavinia (who never gives up when looking for Isaac), and poor Lola (who although is the source of the Norval’s so called happiness and riches, is never fully treated like a human being).
Another thing that has struck me while reading this: the evils in this world, no matter what shape and size they might come in, are prominent in life and especially in this tale. The Hackwells go as far as pretending somebody’s family member is dead in order to get money and status. I’ve yet to finish the last few pages in the book, and am curious to see if karma is in place here (hopefully) and if Lola finally finds happiness with her family and Julian.
I wonder what will happen to Lola’s money when she finds her father. Will she let the Norvals keep it all and live with her father or would she take it along with her?
Also, what is to happen when Mr. Norval finally returns from his travels?
A question for whoever might be reading this: How do you think the title relates to this story?
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Well, I don't want to ruin part of the book for you, so if you haven't finished yet then wait to read this comment...
To answer your question about why the book has such a title, I found that the only literal use of the title was on page 266 when Mrs. Norval 'shrieked' "Who would have thought it?" after hearing the 'great news' that the doctor was alive and well and returning to New York. In my mind it made so much sense to use such a title. Mrs. Norval's character lived in a dream world. She often DID think of her husband being alive, but such thoughts were quickly dashed by Mr. Hackwell. I think that these bottled imps made Mrs. Norval believe what she wanted to believe, and when at last she could live the dream no longer, she uttered a phrase that both disguised her innocence and showed her perplexed state of mind before succumbing to insanity. Oh poor Mrs. Norval, (sarcasm intended), how your little imps could not save you in the end! Such is the state of many of these wicked characters.
Perhaps this book would have been more aptly titled, "Who Would Have Thought It, and Then Had Such Courage to Write It?"
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