I wanted to add, at some point they mention Siddal doesn’t read his letters (can’t remember if it was in this section or the next day). So even though someone tried to warn him about the cracks and what to do if they got worse, he never read the warning. I see his sloth as something like sins of omission- failure to do what should be done vs committing evil.
I haven’t listened to the podcast, yet - but (toward the end of Monday) the book mentions that Siddal hasn’t read the letters re: what to do with his law books. Gerry says, “But you know him. He never even opens his letters.” p 136
I’d love to hear more explanation why Heidi finds great value in teaching the seven deadly sins concept to her students. I understand the sanctifying value a study in them could be, but I want to know what particularly draws Heidi to this topic over other equally significant subjects. As a teacher myself, I know instructional time is limited, so good educators carefully select what they will discuss.
To me this is one of those standout/transcendent Close Reads episodes that not only illuminates the book but also illuminates (how the book can illuminate) my own life. Wow, guys!
I agree this book is brilliant and delightful but evokes uneasiness in me, too. Because I'm so judgmental. Ugh! Even the point made in this episode that gluttony is not only overeating but can be simply the fixation of the belly is exactly a frustration I am currently having with a coworker who is not overweight but constantly talking about his weight, what he's eating, his fad diets, etc. I'm the man with the log in the eye, I guess. If there's an aspirational aspect to this novel, it must be to examine myself. I haven't read ahead, but I hope there's an epiphany for the reader here.
I agree that the take on gluttony in The Feast is nicely nuanced. Lady Gifford is actually under weight! Her gluttony is more about her motivations in life than the physical act of eating.
Yes, I noticed that too! I saw it as I went back thinking over the vices and matching characters to each one. First time through I didn't notice, but it seemed obvious once I saw it.
I feel like Paley was the least developed; at one point Mrs Paley either accuses him of pride or refers to his pride or something like that; but we don't deeply see it till the dream sequence on Thursday (?). It's a really interesting take on pride, though; not haughtiness but true spiritual sickness "I am sufficient unto myself" -- when he so clearly is not.
I wanted to add, at some point they mention Siddal doesn’t read his letters (can’t remember if it was in this section or the next day). So even though someone tried to warn him about the cracks and what to do if they got worse, he never read the warning. I see his sloth as something like sins of omission- failure to do what should be done vs committing evil.
I haven’t listened to the podcast, yet - but (toward the end of Monday) the book mentions that Siddal hasn’t read the letters re: what to do with his law books. Gerry says, “But you know him. He never even opens his letters.” p 136
This episode was so helpful in opening up the book for me and... yes in assisting self examination!
Nothing to add, just grateful y'all introduced me to this book!
I’d love to hear more explanation why Heidi finds great value in teaching the seven deadly sins concept to her students. I understand the sanctifying value a study in them could be, but I want to know what particularly draws Heidi to this topic over other equally significant subjects. As a teacher myself, I know instructional time is limited, so good educators carefully select what they will discuss.
This was one of those episodes that makes me want to go straight to confession.
🙌
I would want to buy Logan Green a nice contraband marshmallow. But that’s not a drink
To me this is one of those standout/transcendent Close Reads episodes that not only illuminates the book but also illuminates (how the book can illuminate) my own life. Wow, guys!
I agree this book is brilliant and delightful but evokes uneasiness in me, too. Because I'm so judgmental. Ugh! Even the point made in this episode that gluttony is not only overeating but can be simply the fixation of the belly is exactly a frustration I am currently having with a coworker who is not overweight but constantly talking about his weight, what he's eating, his fad diets, etc. I'm the man with the log in the eye, I guess. If there's an aspirational aspect to this novel, it must be to examine myself. I haven't read ahead, but I hope there's an epiphany for the reader here.
I agree that the take on gluttony in The Feast is nicely nuanced. Lady Gifford is actually under weight! Her gluttony is more about her motivations in life than the physical act of eating.
This book is so brilliant, but I can’t explain exactly why.
I noticed that the last names of the characters start with the same letter as their vice (except Mrs. Cove).
Wraxton-Wrath
Siddal-Sloth
Ellis-Envy
Gifford-Gluttony
Paley-Pride
Lechene-Lust
Cove-Greed (Covetousness?)
So helpful! Great mnemonic!
Yes, I noticed that too! I saw it as I went back thinking over the vices and matching characters to each one. First time through I didn't notice, but it seemed obvious once I saw it.
I saw this right away, too—I kept waiting for them to notice in the episode. Definitely agree that “covetousness” is better.
Yep, I saw that helpful tip somewhere. I agree that "covetousness" is the right word--gets at the envy of it all beyond simple, uncomplicated greed.
I feel like I definitely didn’t have Paley pegged by the “Monday” reading… (maybe that’s my blind spot??)
I feel like Paley was the least developed; at one point Mrs Paley either accuses him of pride or refers to his pride or something like that; but we don't deeply see it till the dream sequence on Thursday (?). It's a really interesting take on pride, though; not haughtiness but true spiritual sickness "I am sufficient unto myself" -- when he so clearly is not.