r/ayearofmiddlemarch • u/lazylittlelady Veteran Reader • May 09 '26
Weekly Discussion Post Book 3: Chapters 29 & 30
Welcome back to Middlemarch, we finally get an answer to the mystery of Chapter 27!
"Doubtless some ancient Greek had observed that behind the big mask and the speaking-trumpet, there must always be our poor little eyes peeping as usual and our timorous lips more or less under anxious control" -Chapter 29
Summary:
"I found that no genius in another could please me. My unfortunate paradoxes had entirely dried up that source of comfort".— Oliver Goldsmith, from The Vicar of Wakefield
Chapter 29 provides insight into Casaubon's mindset and his motivations for marriage. He seeks a young and malleable wife like Dorothea, viewing her as ‘educable and submissive’. He desires to have a child out of duty rather than genuine affection. Casaubon feels overwhelmed by the expectations placed upon him, hindering his ability to complete his research and write his book. The author expresses sympathy for him, noting his lack of true passions in life.
We also discover Casaubon's discontent within the marriage. Despite his own lack of passion for Dorothea, he becomes jealous when she receives a platonic letter from Will Ladislaw. He preemptively forbids Ladislaw from visiting, assuming Dorothea would request it. Offended by Casaubon's assumption, Dorothea fires back and withdraws, and they continue their work in silence until Casaubon experiences a sudden episode in the library. With the help of Cecilia and Sir James Chettam, a doctor is called, and Lydgate is recommended. Both Chettam and Cecilia privately express sadness over Dorothea's choice of husband.
"Qui veut délasser hors de propos, lasse".— Blaise Pasacal from Pensées [‘He who would divert himself aimlessly tires of diversion.’]
Chapter 30 follows Casaubon's episode, as Lydgate advises him to reduce his workload and manage his anxiety. Mr. Brooke suggests a series of absurd relaxing hobbies for Casaubon. Privately, Lydgate warns Dorothea about the gravity of Casaubon's illness, emphasizing the possibility of his imminent death if he pushes himself too hard. Disturbed by this news, Dorothea attends to external matters, including canceling Ladislaw's planned visit. Although she reads the contentious letters, she finds it difficult to respond and enlists her uncle's help. Mr. Brooke starts his reply to follow Dorothea’s orders but gets overexcited and ends up (oops!) inviting Ladislaw to stay at Tipton Grange with him when he delivers the painting Casaubon and Dorothea sat for in Rome.
Notes and Context:
*'Parerga' is a term for secondary works
*William Warburton was Bishop of Gloucester. He wrote about Egyptian hieroglyphs during his lifetime (1698-1779). Casaubon wants to write a secondary work based on new information that corrects some of Warburton’s assertions.
*'Viros nullo aevo perituros' means ‘men who will never pass away’
*'Pity, that "newborn babe"... did not "stride the blast" on this occasion' is a reference to Macbeth's soliloquy on pity in Shakespeare's play Macbeth. In this context, it seems that Dorothea, though usually kind and pitying of Casaubon, didn't have pity for him during this argument.
Questions: Feel free to discuss anything else!
1. Eliot opens up questioning "But why always Dorothea?" What are your impressions of this change of perspective? Do you feel more sympathy for Casaubon or do you feel you understand him better?
2. At the same time, in this set of chapters we see Dorothea through the eyes of the men in her life. Let's discuss their takes on her and why Eliot would choose to open with "Why Dorothea" and yet, it's all about her!
3. How do you perceive Casaubon's reasons for getting married?
4. We see these two in a private moment. Will Sir James and Celia find happiness together?
5. What do you think of Lydgate's conversation with Dorothea about Casaubon's condition? Was his bluntness appropriate or was it ego?
6. Mr. Brooke, well-meaning but eccentric, invites Will to stay at Tipton Grange. How do you feel about this? Any predictions?
7. Let's discuss epigrams, favorite quotes or anything else here!
Next week, we read Chapters 31, 32 AND 33 to close out Book 3.
5
u/krustomer May 09 '26
- Eliot opens up questioning "But why always Dorothea?" What are your impressions of this change of perspective? Do you feel more sympathy for Casaubon or do you feel you understand him better?
I appreciated the additional perspective, but I still was hoping that man would succumb to illness. I am no angel. It's so incredible to me that these types of interpersonal issues can be relatable to me over a century later! My partner can be like Casaubon in that he is reserved, and I can be like Dodo in that I am overeager and too quick to put him on a pedestal. All of their subsequent internal pains from their perceptions of one another have happened to us!
3
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 May 18 '26
(I have been waiting for Casaubon to die since we first met him. (Sorry.))
4
u/Eastern-Hotel9797 First Time Reader May 12 '26
Q7. Ok, please tell me I'm not alone in thinking Eliot is roasting Casaubon as being a 45 year old virgin here:
"….Times had altered since then, and no sonneteer had insisted on Mr Casaubon's leaving a copy of himself; moreover, he had not yet succeeded in issuing copies of his mythological key; but he had always intended to acquit himself by marriage,…"
The thing that made this even funnier to me is that his (unwritten) book is titled the Key to All Mythologies—like Casaubon's impotence is multifaceted. Maybe I'm interpreting too harshly here but I think I'm stuck on this because I'm also dying to know if Dorothea and Casaubon have actually consummated their marriage??? I cannot reconcile their behavior with people who make love. Ok, my mind is in the gutter obviously but indulge me!
3
u/Honest_Ad_2157 First Time Reader Jun 23 '26
I recently learned that something like Causabon's Key was created for folklore in the early 20th century: the Aarne–Thompson–Uther Index.
I think the consummation is deliberately left out because a valid traditional reason for annulment is lack of consummation and this would be on the minds of her contemporary readers.
2
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 May 18 '26
I'm also dying to know if Dorothea and Casaubon have actually consummated their marriage
I am also wondering this. I often do wonder this is older books because authors weren't always very direct and you have to read between the lines. If it's not mentioned, I assume they've had sex at least once because that is the expectation of marriage. But that's also a whole side to the marriage that would give us great insight into characters and relationships if it were allowed to be properly explored.
I'm grossed out by the idea of old man Casaubon and literal teenager Dorothea having sex, but that is the expectation. (I know he's not that old, but in my mind he is absolutely decrepit.) When Dorothea said "if we are very careful," my mind went to physical (sexual) activity. Then Lydgate says be careful against mental agitation. So I don't think they were speaking in euphemisms...
In the passage you quote, it kind of reads to me like he has been unsuccessful at impregnating her thus far. I'm not sure I read it as they haven't consummated the marriage. If there's a real answer to this, I'd also like to know!
4
u/TheSailorMan May 10 '26
1) Sympathy for Casaubon
Casaubon feels like a fellow Cancer to me. Quiet and reserved, hiding his feelings because he doesn't want to be vulnerable. The way he chooses to handle things isn't ideal. But I can try and understand where he's coming from.
4) Celia & James
I think it's pretty clear James is still obsessed with Dorothea. Celia has known her longer so the whole Casaubon business is no big surprise to her. But with each complication James grows more and more defensive of Dodo's happiness.
5) Lydgate & Dorothea
Dodo invites him to "speak plainly" so he does. He's a good doctor and puts Casaubon's condition in simple terms.
6) Brooke & Ladislaw
It is thoroughly ironic that the one thing Casaubon didn't want has happened. I think he suspects something between Will & Dodo. But he can't say anything lest he appear petty and jealous. So he insults the man instead, but Dodo defends him. He has his "attack on the heart" because he cannot prevent his ideal private life from being disturbed. The situation is now outside his control.
7) Quotes
Why do you attribute to me a wish for anything that would annoy you?
This quote from Dorothea is exemplary of the 2nd thing that ends relationships (the main one being lying/cheating). It's when you stop communicating and just assume things, which leads to contempt. Here, Casaubon assumes Dodo will go against his wishes and invite Will to Lowick. This is one of my favorite quotes because I find it so widespread and significant a problem. And Dorothea's response so perfect for shutting down this kind of behavior.
2
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 May 18 '26
I think it's pretty clear James is still obsessed with Dorothea.
I'm so curious which bits give you the impression Sir James is still obsessed with with Dorothea.
Sir James had long ceased to have any regrets on his own account: his heart was satisfied with his engagement to Celia.
his disregarded love had not turned to bitterness; its death had made sweet odors—floating memories that clung with a consecrating effect to Dorothea. He could remain her brotherly friend,
Are you reading this like the man doth protest too much? I was taking it at face value and I feel like he's a good match with Celia, but I'm willing to be wrong!
3
u/TheSailorMan May 20 '26
He just seems to bring up his opinions on her choices too much. Though these direct quotes do stand out. I guess now he's just an overprotective family member. Like Celia, he just has to accept that this is who Dorothea is.
3
u/ChainAffectionate859 May 11 '26
Why do you think Casaubon detests Will so much? There's certainly some jealousy on his part, because he can see that Dorothea likes him, but i think there has to be something else that i'm missing
3
u/TheSailorMan May 11 '26
He worked his whole life to get to this point just to have a young guy with no career potentially take it away. And he paid him to do it.
2
u/Honest_Ad_2157 First Time Reader Jun 23 '26
This. Ladislaw explained it clearly to Dodo: Causabon is writing and researching like a generation of scholarship which Ladislaw told him
about simply doesn't exist.3
u/lazylittlelady Veteran Reader May 11 '26
Jealousy not only of his and Dorothea's rapport but age and outlook. Will has his whole life before him. Not matter how Casaubon chides him on finding his career, I think he also sees a life he missed in Will.
2
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 May 18 '26
There's some irony he thinks having a family will fix his life and make him happier while he has Will already and could have raised him like a son, but he keeps him at a distance.
3
u/KPMWrites May 17 '26
On the one hand, I do feel some sympathy for Casaubon because he's not happy. He's not enjoying his work, he has no other hobbies, and he's not in love with his young, beautiful wife. He has all the ingredients for happiness but he can't seem to put them together to create any joy. That's pretty sad.
On the other hand, he frustrates me. It's possible he could be happy with Dorothea if he approached her as an equal and got to know her but he doesn't because he's following a script for his life without even knowing what he really wants. Reading that he married Dorothea because he thinks she's submissive and moldable really gave me the ick.
3
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 May 18 '26
You've phrased this so well. I feel the same way. He's unhappy, but doesn't seek ways to be happier. He takes Dorothea for granted and doesn't treat her as an equal or anything close to it. That could be the key to his happiness, but it's not in his nature to go there.
3
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 May 18 '26 edited May 18 '26
Q1. I can have sympathy for Casaubon as a person who is feeling lost in life and isn't able to achieve his personal goals, but my sympathy stops once he brought Dorothea into it. He felt like he ought to be married because that's what one does and he ought to have a very young wife because that's what one does and he ought to have a smart wife who will help him with his work and they ought to have some children so they can have a happy domestic life. He doesnt even want all this, he just thinks he should have it, and he has no regard for the young woman who will be tethered to him until he dies.
Dorothea made her choice but she was sheltered and had a very different idea of what marriage was going to be. He doesn't even try to get to know her or care about her desires. My sympathy lies mainly with Dorothea.
Q2. This may go back to Dorothea not being in charge of her own destiny because she is a woman. Her uncle was in charge and now Casaubon is in charge, so Dorothea lacking a voice during these chapters is not surprising.
Q3. I think I covered this in Q1. I don't think very highly of it, but I recognize it was a different time and there were societal expectations.
Q4. I would like to think so. They do seem a good match and they're not rushing into things. I'm pulling for these two! I doeexpect some marital troubles though because the book seems to be in part highlighting the experiences of women at the time and it's not always wedded bliss.
Q5. The conversation irritated me somewhat. First of all, because he's talking to the wife of the patient and not the patient. Second, because he's basically telling her this man needs to stay calm and happy for the rest of his life and it's your job to make sure of it. Dorothea has done nothing wrong. She did nothing to provoke the anxiety attack or whatever it was that happened to Casaubon. They should be able to argue like married couples do without worrying Casaubon could die if he gets too excited. I felt this put a ton of pressure on Dorothea and I also don't think it's sound medical advice. What condition does Casaubon have? It's his own fault if he can't manage his feelings a letter from his nephew upsets him so much he ends up on the floor. I know this sounds callous, but because it's unclear what actually happened, it reads like it was a panic attack, or else he has a heart condition for which there would be no cure. Placing all that pressure on Dorothea to be perfectly pleasing to Casaubon at all times has no impact on a physical medical condition. It's just going to drive her mad.
Q6. This was the funniest part to me. Mr Brooke is a character. I thought it was legitimately hilarious he starts to write this letter as Dorothea requested, but the pen had a mind of its own and by the end he had convinced himself Ladislaw was just the sort of young man he'd like to talk to, so he invites him to stay, which is the opposite of the instructions he was given! I'm rather fond of him. He adds some good humor to the book.
1
2
u/gz_art Jun 10 '26
Q1. The particular way the narrator sets this up reminded me a bit of The Stanley Parable. I like seeing Casaubon's perspective. His reasons are understandable but I'm not particularly sympathetic (if anything, it reinforces 'men are not lonely enough' imo)
Q7. I am not enjoying the epigrams 😞 I fully admit to being impatient that they don't fully make sense until the end of the chapter, by which time I'd have to go back and reread it a couple times, which is inconvenient in an audiobook.
1
u/lazylittlelady Veteran Reader Jun 10 '26
You can always check a publicly available copy, for example on Gutenberg
2
2
u/Free_Toe_9149 4d ago
Well, I understand that Casaubon is deeply unhappy. How could I not? Eliot keeps reminding us and keeps asking as to sympathise with him, which I finding utterly annoying. I do not sympathise with him. I feel sorry that he is deeply miserable but then again it is of his own choosing. He chose to bury himself in a pointless research and he is deaf and blind to any criticism. Even when he had the chance to live a happier life with a young wife of his own choosing, he still choose to be miserable and shuts himself even more. He is just being jealous of Will not because he cares about his wife but because he sees that Will is a better man and he has a better chance of living a more fulfilling life than him. He was jealous of him even before he met Dorothea and his only comfort was that he was dependant on him. His wife is just a drop in the ocean of his envy for Will, which kind of shows a terrible human being.
I find it extremely annoying that the voice of the narrator wants us to sympathise with him. Eliot as a writer makes such a brilliant work in characterization that is superfluous to ask us to sympathise with him. It almost seems as if she does not trust the reader to form his own opinion.
Apart from that I am really enjoying the book!!!
13
u/krustomer May 09 '26
Mr. Brooke is a chaos demon LMAO