“What is it you gentlemen are thinking of when you are with Mrs. Casaubon?”
“Herself,” said Will…. When one sees a perfect woman, one never thinks of her attributes—one is conscious of her presence.” (409)
Welcome back to Middlemarch. In this episode, Shari & Rhea discuss beauty and love from multiple characters’ perspectives. What is love and beauty according to Will Ladislaw? Lydgate? Rosamond? Dorthea? They talk about Farebrother and the apostolic question surrounding Dorthea and Lydgate’s conversation: What does “apostolic” mean? What has it become in the world of Middlemarch? How is all this apostolic talk relevant with the question of the Reform Bill looming in the background? Finally, they discuss the dead hand. Is there more than one dead hand? What are all the ways these dead hands are affecting the living?
Next month, is Book 6 (only three books left!). That episode is set to air the second Friday of July. Between now and then, consider making a Casaubon/Ladislaw family tree. It may just come in handy as you continue to read!
Here is the R&W outline for Middlemarch, Book 5 for your personal use:
