New shownotes and audio link here.
Wow!
We made it!
Elizabeth finished Herland, Caroline was last week's reader, Shannon's 12 steps, All I Want to Do Is Dance, and this week, Chapters 17 and 18!
Friday, June 27, 2008
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Woo hoo! Way to go CraftLit! Hi Heather. Keep reading to me. =D Love!
ReplyDeleteHappy Hundreth!! 3 cheers for Heather! Hurray! Hurray! Hurray!
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying Little Women so much, it's great going back to a book after 30 years and seeing how differently I react to it.
I'm fascinated by Beth and by other people's reaction to her. She is a caring gentle person, a home-maker, musically talented, but too shy to perform, and not an academic child. Is it fair for modern day readers to discount her? In her time, and in her class, there would have been few options open to her other than the ones she pursues.
In modern times what would a girl like that do? Would we berate her for not seeking fame and fortune? Would we criticise her poor scholarly acheivement? Must women be grade A students, high flying lawyers, top doctors, world class musicians & future world leaders before they gain our approval?
Or will we show respect for the women who show grace and compassion while they work as nurses, social workers, special needs assistants, primary school teachers etc and other unsung heroes.
Beth is not weak: she shows strength by going to see the Hummels when she herself is feeling tired. How would we feel if our relatives, dying of cancer were denied nursing care because the nurses were too tired or too busy or too selfish to be there (trying on a new dress or writing a story)?
I'm a Jo, I always will be, but I will staunchly defend my sisters' right to be a Beth, and I will honour & respect their choices. Like Jo, I could care for those I loved, but not for others. Like Jo, I'm good in a crisis, but not good in the day-to-day care of the weak & the vulnerable.
I would imagine that in Darfur, Szechuan, Baghdad etc, that while the people need those who are good in a crisis at first, they truly appreciate those people who can patiently stick to the task and restore people's lives with the gentle compassion that Beth personifies.
Let's hear it for Beth! and also for Louisa May Alcott for writing four such wonderful girls.
until next time, Heather!
Congratulations on 100 episodes, Heather!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Slow-Knitta! I've always liked Beth, too. She's a sweetheart, and she's the one you'd want to go to with your troubles. She'd be a true listener and a loyal friend, and she does face her failing health situation extremely bravely.
ReplyDeleteBecky