I'm sure at some point in high school and/or college a professor asked, "What is the book about?", referring to any given book. But, for whatever reason, the way the hosts discussed it in this episode resonated with me a lot more, and I began thinking about all the books I love and asking myself the same. It's an obvious question and a little embarrassing to only be actively thinking about it now. Even if it's not clear yet what ATOTC is about, the discussion and debate in and of itself was very enlightening.
Great questions brought for discussion here, starting off with what is this book about? I think that is an essential question for everything written. I do think it is fair to say this book is about the French Revolution although maybe only secondarily, and that the primary theme is not revealed, mysteriously, until the end. But, the French Revolution gives us the perfect time and place for the main theme. My own high school and college education in literature in the 60s and 70s was very historically based. We were taught the important writers and their works in a chronological way that coincided with the other subjects. I think it gave a coherent view of history, that seems lacking in teaching today. So, of course, Dickens stands out for his place in the history of British and Western literature, culture, and history. And, a story of the progress of democracy is bound to have a lasting impact. When Dickens said in the 3rd paragraph of the first chapter, "Mere messages in the earthly order of events had lately come to the English Crown and People, from a congress of British subjects in America: which, strange to relate, have proved more important to the human race than any communications yet received through any of the chickens of the Cock-lane brood," he could not have guessed how the rest of his century and all the history of the 20th century would prove it true.
Regarding the slow start and jumping around, I keep remembering this was originally released as a weekly serial. I don’t know if that would be more frustrating - but hey we all sat through Lost, so I’m sure this would have been pretty exciting entertainment then. I think the back-and-forth, in place and time, vignettes would have hit differently at that time and in that format than they do today (a tale of two readers…). Do you think the book version should/could have been edited or published differently in some way?
As for the two professions of love (really three counting Stryver), I was waiting for someone to point out that Sydney is speaking directly to Lucy, while Charles is talking to her dad (and Stryver to his lawyer and banker friends, ha). I’m sure, or at least hope, that my own husband’s proposal to me was not very much alike in passion to his convo with my dad… I felt like Charles’ conversation was appropriately compassionate toward Dr. Manette, though maybe too perfect - but that’s the point?
Aha! That explains it, David. I decided to watch the video and it seems like this is the second week I noticed no music. I just checked the podcast, and it has the music. Thanks for the clarification!
Ok so the Monsenginor and Marquis are two different people. I was so lost there. I thought they were different and then I thought they were the same.
I thought they were the same person too.
its a bit confusing!
I'm sure at some point in high school and/or college a professor asked, "What is the book about?", referring to any given book. But, for whatever reason, the way the hosts discussed it in this episode resonated with me a lot more, and I began thinking about all the books I love and asking myself the same. It's an obvious question and a little embarrassing to only be actively thinking about it now. Even if it's not clear yet what ATOTC is about, the discussion and debate in and of itself was very enlightening.
Great questions brought for discussion here, starting off with what is this book about? I think that is an essential question for everything written. I do think it is fair to say this book is about the French Revolution although maybe only secondarily, and that the primary theme is not revealed, mysteriously, until the end. But, the French Revolution gives us the perfect time and place for the main theme. My own high school and college education in literature in the 60s and 70s was very historically based. We were taught the important writers and their works in a chronological way that coincided with the other subjects. I think it gave a coherent view of history, that seems lacking in teaching today. So, of course, Dickens stands out for his place in the history of British and Western literature, culture, and history. And, a story of the progress of democracy is bound to have a lasting impact. When Dickens said in the 3rd paragraph of the first chapter, "Mere messages in the earthly order of events had lately come to the English Crown and People, from a congress of British subjects in America: which, strange to relate, have proved more important to the human race than any communications yet received through any of the chickens of the Cock-lane brood," he could not have guessed how the rest of his century and all the history of the 20th century would prove it true.
Ha, listen allll the way to the end folks.
Regarding the slow start and jumping around, I keep remembering this was originally released as a weekly serial. I don’t know if that would be more frustrating - but hey we all sat through Lost, so I’m sure this would have been pretty exciting entertainment then. I think the back-and-forth, in place and time, vignettes would have hit differently at that time and in that format than they do today (a tale of two readers…). Do you think the book version should/could have been edited or published differently in some way?
As for the two professions of love (really three counting Stryver), I was waiting for someone to point out that Sydney is speaking directly to Lucy, while Charles is talking to her dad (and Stryver to his lawyer and banker friends, ha). I’m sure, or at least hope, that my own husband’s proposal to me was not very much alike in passion to his convo with my dad… I felt like Charles’ conversation was appropriately compassionate toward Dr. Manette, though maybe too perfect - but that’s the point?
Oh my goodness, there were a lot of good laughs in this one. Wonderful discussion.
Question? What happened to the intro music? 😁
Are you watching the video or listening? The audio versions should have the music.
Aha! That explains it, David. I decided to watch the video and it seems like this is the second week I noticed no music. I just checked the podcast, and it has the music. Thanks for the clarification!