Loved this recap! I've been curious about Middlemarch since last year and this analysis piqued my interest. Sounds like an appealing cast of characters! 7:55 made me chuckle
@@JoeSpivey02 I hope this isn’t too disappointing, but I have only read it once, just a few years ago. One excuse is that I am stupidly nervous about very long books, but there are shorter books on my unread list, too. Adam Bede, Daniel Deronda, and Middlemarch were all first-time reads for me after I started booktube. I was similarly unfamiliar with Virginia Woolf’s novels (although not her nonfiction). I grew up reading mostly American novels-and the gaps I still have are really ridiculous.
I think I am scared of long books partly because I hate dragging books out. I want to read all in one go, or at least as close to one go as I can do. (We seem to think fairly similarly about that issue, I think. Yes?)
Hey Joe, love your channel and in particular your 'enthusing adoration' of George Eliot with which I am in complete agreement. Just to point out that the Brooks family are landed gentry, which would comfortably place them in the upper class of society. The main family that figure as the 'ideal' family in Middlemarch for me & I think what Eliot intended are the Garths, especially Caleb, followed his wife & Mary, then the Farebrother family after them. From a personal perspective, reading about Lydgate's experience of career ideals followed by his ultimate disillusionment was like personal therapy for me! George Eliot, or Mary Evans was a genius & has provided me with endless consolation in the trials and tribulations of life so far. All the best with writing your critical essay.
I've never read "Middlemarch." When I was young teenager I was forced to read "Silas Marner" for English class and I hated it. As a consequence, I never sought out her other novels.
I loved Middlemarch. I think one of the aspects it brought home to me was how idealism can actually lead to self deception and eventually has to clash with harsh reality.
Armadale sounds like interesting read, however, Orient Express is a bit more and next on the reading list. Agatha's, of course. Thank you for great reading advice
Some systematisation, or retelling a plot in, let's say, a blurb form at the beginning would really help the listeners understand what book is about. If it is, let's call it, plotless work or work in literary genre, it is more difficult, but something can be said about idea or plot, however vague it is.
What are ideas behind it? Do characters talk about specific subjects? A crime plot/subplot? I do assume it is wonderful, I don't think had the opportunity to see it on the shelves. I maybe am mistaken, I will have to look it up
17:33 about the motif read, it sounds familiar but cannot remember who wrote something in similar style. I would really skip talking about D and talk about other writers who share similar styles of writing, or have different approach to same subject. There are some great Dutch/Flemish authors who wrote about the plainness/boreness of country living, and probably great paragraphs can be found, as a comparison to this one.
Dude, I'm sold. I think I'm going to pick of a copy of this tomorrow. Victober isn't over yettt
Loved this recap! I've been curious about Middlemarch since last year and this analysis piqued my interest. Sounds like an appealing cast of characters! 7:55 made me chuckle
The similarities between myself and Fred Vincy momentarily jolted my soul🤣
I believe we submitted to the same contest 😂 Good luck to you!
A new entry of the Spivey saga! How brilliant! I should definitely get around to checking this book out myself!
Anything other than a swift purchase shows moral decline 🤣
@@JoeSpivey02 A swift purchase is on the cards! Next trip to the local bookshop I will be adopting a copy indefinitely!
I adore this book and think it might be time for a reread! How wonderful it will be to get to hear your thoughts along and along.
You should re-read it and report back to UA-cam! Dare I ask - how many times you've read it before?
@@JoeSpivey02 I hope this isn’t too disappointing, but I have only read it once, just a few years ago. One excuse is that I am stupidly nervous about very long books, but there are shorter books on my unread list, too. Adam Bede, Daniel Deronda, and Middlemarch were all first-time reads for me after I started booktube. I was similarly unfamiliar with Virginia Woolf’s novels (although not her nonfiction). I grew up reading mostly American novels-and the gaps I still have are really ridiculous.
I think I am scared of long books partly because I hate dragging books out. I want to read all in one go, or at least as close to one go as I can do. (We seem to think fairly similarly about that issue, I think. Yes?)
Hey Joe, love your channel and in particular your 'enthusing adoration' of George Eliot with which I am in complete agreement. Just to point out that the Brooks family are landed gentry, which would comfortably place them in the upper class of society. The main family that figure as the 'ideal' family in Middlemarch for me & I think what Eliot intended are the Garths, especially Caleb, followed his wife & Mary, then the Farebrother family after them. From a personal perspective, reading about Lydgate's experience of career ideals followed by his ultimate disillusionment was like personal therapy for me! George Eliot, or Mary Evans was a genius & has provided me with endless consolation in the trials and tribulations of life so far. All the best with writing your critical essay.
I thought the Brooke's stunk of comfort! Thank you for your praise and insight!
David Runciman on his podcast Past Present Future has done two amazing podcast episodes on Middlemarch, they’re definitely worth a listen!
I've never read "Middlemarch." When I was young teenager I was forced to read "Silas Marner" for English class and I hated it. As a consequence, I never sought out her other novels.
What do you think of analysing some thriller? Or mystery?
I've read and analysed (to an albeit limited extent) some of Agatha Christie's best known works. Get scrolling through my catalogue!
I loved Middlemarch. I think one of the aspects it brought home to me was how idealism can actually lead to self deception and eventually has to clash with harsh reality.
Well I could've told you that! At least Eliot has the decency to couch it in the finest prose!
I have a used copy of this in a pile! I think I'll pick it up soon! Additionally, you may be interested in Armadale by Wilkie Collins!
Armadale sounds like interesting read, however, Orient Express is a bit more and next on the reading list. Agatha's, of course. Thank you for great reading advice
Do a read along of this!
I hate the slowness of read-alongs. I'd much rather just fly through it and reconvene with you guys after a few days.
Some systematisation, or retelling a plot in, let's say, a blurb form at the beginning would really help the listeners understand what book is about. If it is, let's call it, plotless work or work in literary genre, it is more difficult, but something can be said about idea or plot, however vague it is.
What about the crimes in the book? There has to be a crime, something has to happen
What are ideas behind it? Do characters talk about specific subjects? A crime plot/subplot? I do assume it is wonderful, I don't think had the opportunity to see it on the shelves. I maybe am mistaken, I will have to look it up
15:10 There were other books at the time period as well, just as there are other writers around the world.
16:49 Definitely agree, magnificient writing. I cannot remember if there are another examples with similar setting and passing of time, probably is.
17:33 about the motif read, it sounds familiar but cannot remember who wrote something in similar style. I would really skip talking about D and talk about other writers who share similar styles of writing, or have different approach to same subject. There are some great Dutch/Flemish authors who wrote about the plainness/boreness of country living, and probably great paragraphs can be found, as a comparison to this one.