Oh Hello Again!

You know dearies, I had one last thought I wanted to share with you. Let me know what you think.
As I made my way though Tennyson's In Memoriam A.H.H I understood that he felt great loss over his friends death. I truly pity him, although I do wonder if maybe he dwelled on it for a bit too long. There needs to be room for grief, but there also needs to be room for moving on and appreciating the every day miracles in life ( See, I feel I can say this as I have been through deaths of dearly loved ones). Anyways, I wondered if his feels of loss could be applied to simply missing someone. Do you know what I mean? Tennyson mourned the death of his friend, but could these same feels apply to missing someone who has been away? I think I felt some of these feelings when Oliver was gone- I was so troubled and worry-stricken. I missed that poor boy and I did not question my God or think of the finality of the situations, but I did worry that might never see him again. I did think understand Tennyson when he felt others were judging him as he mourned, " ' Loss is common to the race'-/ and comming is the commonplace,/ and vacant chaff well meant for grain" ( lyric 6, lines 1-4). Others say I knew Oliver for so short a time and loss is common, I had no need to spend my precious thoughts worrying over him and missing him. I believe that this is hogwosh! I loved that dear boy with my whole heart and I sure did miss him, no matter what others said. I felt great loss and could think of nothing else as this poor Tennyson could not either

A note from Mrs. Bedwin

Hello Dearies,

I'm writing today to deeply aplogize for my lack of posts and comments on our blog. I know I commited to doing this literature group with you, but it seems that my old, silly self tried to bite off more than she could chew. Silly me, I always seem to be doing that. Why, just the other day I told Mr. Brownlow, when he was upset about his dying flower boxes, that I would work my magic and get the flowers to bloom again. Oh dear, what was I thinking? This has proven to be quite the difficult task( those finicky flowers!) on top of the normal household chores and try to keep with the young boy.

Anyways, back to the readings. I have tried my best to keep up with the actual reading- it would be doing myself a diservice, you know, not to be reading. It's such a gift that I am able to get the material and have the ability to read that I need to make sure I am taking advantage of that. I have made sure to get up extra early in the morning, before Mr. Brownlow needs me in the kitchen, to read under the rising sun. Oh, it was so comforting to hear about the dreams of young Aurora Leigh; I'm so glad that she made it through the death of her parents and time with her cruel aunt. Poor thing. I really do need to share this story with Oliver so he knows he has a future and someone to look up to.

Now, Tennyson.... I had a wee bit of a hard time wrapping my head around what he had to say. The poor things lost a friend close to him, but I wonder sometimes what he is trying to say ( I guess some of the words are a little fancy for my understanding) and why it has taken him to long to say it. But, oh well, somethings are not for me to understand. I just tried to dwell on and imagein the images in his poem- this A.H.H must have been quite the special man, it would have been an honor to have met him.

Alright Dearies, this is all I can post for early morning. I must attend to Mr. Browning and get Oliver up out of bed. And this dirty house won't clean itself and the breakfast won't cook itself!


Friends, do know that I meant to get to these posts everyday, but time escaped me. I hope you can understand

Rose's thoughts on Elizabeth Browning's poem "Aurora Leigh Book Two"

Oh Aurora stay strong. After reading this book of the poem it's hard not to notice the strength this young girl has. Such a role model for me being but years younger than the twenty year old. What courage she has to ignore her aunt's wishes and turn Romney's marriage proposal down and cease from taking his money. In a world where anyone would give anything to be rich and well taken care of, Aurora finds a more natural meaning of life and seems to stand by her decisions and trust in herself. She definitely deserves more in life than a man who doesn't believe in her or her passions. How lucky am I that I have found a man who loves me, tends to me when those awful fevers return, has given up his political aspirations up for my reputation alone, and does good as often as he can- just like me. I think I shall let Nancy read this book when I am through.

Rose Maylie's thoughts about Robert Browning's "The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxed’s Church"

Oh this poem makes me think. Will I be remembered when I'm gone? A poor orphan in London doesn't seem important enough to remember anyways. I do hope if I die though, my beloved Harry and others that care for me will remember me for the good I've done and tried to do. I don't need a fancy tomb to be laid in like the Bishop in this poem, all I need are my friends and what is left of my family, the only family I've ever know, around. But I don't want to think about death right now, I'm too young. For now I'll focus on the good I can do. Speaking of good, I need to get back to nursing Oliver. Poor boy fell into the wrong crowd and done got himself shot. Poor boy.

Rose's View on Robert Browning's Poem "My Last Duchess"

I don't understand what would please this Duke. I mean, throughout this poem the late duchess is basically being slandered, when she is not even there to defend herself, by her huband, who explains that she flirted with every man she saw and didn't appreciate him. He mentions that she was happy until he put and end to her behavior and "the smiles stopped." Now I am not one to condone stepping out on a spouse, but I see nothing here that mentions infidelity; I find nothing wrong in the actions written about in this poem. I feel that the Duke is a jealous, insecure man, too engulfed with his 900 years old name to realize that women need tenderness, love, and attention. Now he's marrying another woman, after what seems like such a small amount of time after the death of his previous wife. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this late-duchess's death might not have been an accident/natural by any means- if you catch my drift.

Rose's Thoughts on Elizabeth Browning's poem Aurora Leigh Book One

Poor Aurora. Growing up under the wing of people who aren't your own parents is hard; I know first hand- thank God for Mrs. Maylie. From the beginning of this first book it seems as though Aurora's parents were amazing and loving. Even her father was a nurturing man. Kinda makes me wish I knew my parents when they were alive. But I love how Browning portrays her throughout the book. A young girl who loses both parents at such a young age and still becomes enlightened, goes to school and learns so much, and has a aspiration to become a poet. Aurora has become almost like a role model for me after reading this. I know her struggles and in turn I feel as though I should be doing great things as she is. She is a strong female in a male dominant world (and that Romney doesn't seem to let her forget it) trying to make her mark. I have such respect and admiration for her thus far.

Nancy Thinks About Tennyson's In Memoriam (1)

"But who shall so forecast the years
And find in loss a gain to match?
Or reach a hand through time to catch
The far-off interest of tears"

Tennyson was a very smart man, indeed! He's saying that that you can't see past the death and devastation. He was a beautiful writer and poet, but he was a business man as well. He was educated in investments.

He loved Hallam; I love Sikes.

Is my love for Sikes, my investment in him worth it? Can it be that one day I will mourn Sikes just as Tennyson mourns Hallam? He does do terrible things, but I do love him so. But how terrible he is to the poor boys and to Oliver as well.

I don't know. I have invested much in him - but is it worth it?

What does Nancy think about In Memoriam A.H.H [Prologue]?

"Thou seemest human and divine"

Seemest. I guess what Tennyson is saying is that He, God, is the holiest of manhood, and yet I get the feeling that Tennyson is questioning his faith. Afterall, he did lose his best friend. How horrible it must be to lose a best friend - a person who you shared all your hopes and dreams with, someone who you thought would be there forever.

And then, they're dead?! How beaten Tennyson must have felt. But to say he has lost his faith would be ridiculous...how would people look at him. I wonder what people would say if I told them that I have lost faith. Perhaps they wouldn't care at all...I am in a horrible profession in life. They wouldn't care. Ah, but Tennyson. He's a writer; people look up to him - it must have been hard going through all this.

And yet, there are some parts of this poem where I can see Tennyson recoiling from God almost in disbelief of his Power. The word seemest suggests that he is not taking what the world or what God has dealt him at face value and won't accept the way everything is supposed to work out.

It doesn't seem fair, really.

Sike's Thoughts on Tennyson's Prologue to In Memoriam A.H.H.

So much said in just 11 stanzas! There is a grief, truth, fear, confusion, and a humbleness in Tennyson's words that seems to capture the feeling of the London streets these days. So many things are changing each day and yet so much is the same. Scholars act like they have the answers to why man is here and what man should do with his life from science, and priests and rulers act like they have the answers from God, but then death and sorrow prove both confused and scared. And what of the criminal who know's he has no answer's to life's mysteries nor no real importance? If scholars, priests, and poets can't be comforted through the loss of a friend nor can solve the mysteries of life, how is a criminal like myself supposed to feel about the importance of life and my own death? It makes me sad to think that what concerns me is what my next meal will be rather than what the point of life is like Tennyson does. But then, if men like Tennyson can't resolve it I guess I shouldn't feel so bad about my life because no one has the answer anyway, so why should I try? We will all face death alone and with no knowledge of what lies ahead, if anything at all does.

Comments on Browning's "The Bishop Orders His Tomb at Saint Praxed's Church" by Sikes

This poem got me to thinkin' 'bout who will remember me when I'm dead 'n gone. If a bishop got no hope of being 'membered 'cept for how big and fancy his tomb is, what worth does my life have in the schema' things? All my life I've been livin' day to day with no regard to the future, 'specially not my death, and 'specially not after my death. What can a criminal hope for out of his life if a bishop can't e'en make sure his life will be remembered? What dif'rence have I made? Who knows what I'ma even sayin' anymore, I'm going somewhere far worse than that Bishop anyways. I guess it don't matter whether I worry over these things anyway's, maybe I was meant to be forgotten. I tell you wot, if I was his son's I'd be getting my hands on that lapis stone and spend rest of my days somewhere better than this gloomy London.

A Few Words by Sikes on "My Last Duchess"

Finally, a male author in this damn anthology! Browning does an excellent job portraying the Duke of Ferrara, and in a lot shorter length than his wife did in "Aurora Leigh". I guess even the rich can't avoid the inconwiencies and embar'sment that women bring. At least his wife knew her job was to obey men, but she obeyed all men instead o' her husband! She treated her husband just as nicely and happily as she treated any other man. Some women just too happy for they own good. Well, off to the streets to find my next house to rob, hopefully Fagin ain't out and 'bout, I don't need no little kid to train today.

The Esteemed Mr. Bumble on the matter of loving marriages

Well my dears, I am quite the expert on marraige. After all, I am married to Mrs. Bubmble, ain't I? I wooed her and won her fair heart sitting next to her fire and counting her dishes. Now, my dears, that is the way to win a woman, not all this fluff about havin' a title to offer, which Mr. Browning seems to think quite important in "My Last Duchess," eh? No no no. None of this disobedience on the part of the Duchess and there must certainly be no "spots of joy" in her cheeks. Even if she does go fishing for compliments from Pandolf the painter, she should not revel in them, eh my dears? The Duchess finally wakes up at the end of the poem and stops smiling and takes her husband's commands, as she rightly should, eh? The law says that a woman should take direction under her husband, right my dears? This Duchess should not be threatening the poor Duke's enviable manhood by treating his 900-year-old title as a trifle, eh? We men do not stand for wives as such who go about threatin' our manhood. Just ask Mrs. Bumble, my dears. I should let her read this poem as a warning of what may become of her someday if she doesn't cooperate with me, eh my dears? She may end up in a fair painting on my wall, for all the parochials to come by and admire.

Sikes' Response to Browning's "Aurora Leigh: Book 5"

This metaphor that Browning uses at the end of the Book, claimin' poets and their poems nurture the people of their age just like a woman's breast nurtures her young and so woman can naturally be poets just as good as any man, this metaphor really gets under my skin. If it weren't for men, women wouldn't never have those babies that they feed. I mean, I guess I can understand her wantin' poets to focus on their own time, but women don't have enough of a grasp of the times to be a poet. They have their own womanly roles to fulfill and anything important to an era is controlled by men. And I tell you wot, I need to start hiding this here anthology because I don't like the way Nancy been lookin' at me and talkin' at me these past few days. This Browning isn't a poet, she's the devil tryin' to disrupt all of society!

Nancy's Response to Aurora Leigh: Book Two

Ah..A twentieth birthday. She has such life in her... she's only a few years younger than I. And look at me...I don't have nearly as much life in me as she does. So young...she will be a great poet. Yes, a poet. She can obviously write just as well as any man.

Ooh, and that Romney...from reading Book One, i got a bad taste in my mouth from thinking about that man. See how he brings her down! Or tries to at least...she's too strong to be brought down. And then to propose afterwards? To say such things to her and propose? I mean, hell, he basically just said that women are dumb compared to men! I'm glad she turned him away...she'll be a great poet.

Sikes' Response to Elizabeth Barrett Browning's "Aurora Leigh": Book One

Well, directly following the section on the placement of women in society was a section on Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her narrative poem, "Aurora Leigh", I don't care for much. Nothin' ain't interestin 'bout a young girl who thinks shes a poet. I'd rather be reading something like the "Newgate Calendar" any day than this poem. Aurora Leigh don't even know how lucky she is to come to England and be taught by her Aunt the true ways of women. English women are 'models to the universe', as her aunt says, and Aurora should take these lessons a littler more serious. Nothing can come from a woman's poetry, like she says there can at lines 873-889. There can be no truth from it, women's minds ain't made for that. Aurora ought to stop dreaming and start looking for a man to support her, just like I support my Nancy.

Sikes' response to "The Place of Women in Society"

I tell you wot, all these women writin' in this book just need to stop actin' like they know wot they talkin' 'bout. Sarah Stickney Ellis got it right when she said the first thing of importance for a woman is to be content to be inferior to men mentally and physically. But wot she talkin' 'bout women can influence a man because she's a on the same moral and religious level as a man? I'd never sleep 'round like Miss Nancy, I'm kind 'nough to to give her a place to stay. She better bring me my gin and water when I ask for it, and she better do it without sayin' nothin' back neither. That's why I wouldn't allow young Nancy to read things like Harriet Taylor is publishin', sayin' womens should have just as active a life as men in politics and careers. Yes, I say Nancy and all women should stick to readin' Coventry Patmore, or better yet, not be readin' at all and just do as I say.

The Place of Women in Society

Hmm...well, I must say, I don't think that I agree with everything I read. But I do find it interesting that Eliza Linton would write about the new girl of the period. What's wrong with a girl who "paints her face" and "dyes her hair".
I dress to please myself...well not only myself, but mostly myself. And why is it "vitiated"? These girls aren't corrupted!

And I tell you what! If its all muddy outside and my dress is going to muddied up, i sure am going to pick it up all the way...who cares!

But Linton does say a few right things. There are some girls who would marry a gentlemen just for what's in his pocket....which isn't right. I mena, I do things according to a man's wallet size, but that's out of necessity, not of want. And, well, men do flirt with me, and don't marry me, and they laugh but do not respect me either...

She's talking rubbish!