Curse of Beauty

So did anyone else notice that even though Emily is "blessed" with above average looks it only causes her trouble. If she wasnt so appealing the whole love situation wouldnt be an issue and she wouldnt be at risk for abduction by her (step uncle's?) ex friend who is now pining after her. (yeah abduction isnt the word but im using it!) On the other hand, who wants to read about an average girl with no love ties?

DICTIONARYY

how do y'all feel about the diction of this book., to me it seems partly hard to understand..ikeep having to go to the dictionary.!

Setting of MU!

So, for our second discussion we are supposed to taalk about the setting of MU, and we have quite a wide variety here in our book. Maybe as we settle into the heart of the story the setting will stay as one, but for now lets enjoy the pretty variety!
(Don't forget text support guys! With page numbers!)

Love is in the Air

It seems my guessing of Valancourt's and Emily's affection for each other was not unfounded. Valancourt becomes a suitor to Emily after her father's death, but he met heavy opposition from Emily's guardian Madame Cheron. Would you agree with Madame Cheron's motive of at first denying Valancourt, but then changing her mind? Surely earning Emily wealth and position is the best for her right? After all, would she not become exhalted in the family because of it? Or, do you agree with Emily's thoughts of her affections with Valancourt and calling her guardian's judgement unfair? Discuss if you so wish on this subject.

I leave the flowery path for aye

Of childhood, where I sported many a day.

Warbling and sauntering carelessly along;

Where every face was innocent and gay,

Each vale romantic, tuneful every tounge,

Sweet, wild, and artless all.

The Minstrel

Melancholy

I noticed that the word melancholy was used very often. I thought that it was very interesting how St. Aubert was living a simple life surrounded by beauty in an attempt to be happy, but everything around him made him feel melancholy.

The Adventures of Valancourt

Well, not adventures of his exactly. More like Valancourt's time with St. Aubert and Emily as they try to get away from their sorrows. Valancourt plays a rather significant role, cheering up St. Aubert significantly with his company. His impact in the story overall may be little (although he may reappear later in the story), but he still comes across as a likable character.
Valancourt is basically a young man, whom's brother has been acquainted with St. Aubert, who possess a sound mind and enjoys traveling through nature with his dogs. His friendly many caused him to become quick friends with St. Aubert. Please, consider the following if you have not gotten to these points if you have not gotten that far yet:

1) Valancourt's relationship with St. Aubert.
2) Emily's thoughts of Valacourt
3) The representation that Valacourt is to St. Aubert's youth
and finally
4) Valancourt parting with his book of poems by Petrarch in exchange for one of Emily's

The last one may hint of Emily's affection for Valancourt, but this comes from a very brief moment of the book and the idea is very vague. This is even more so because the entire time they were on the road it followed more of St. Aubert's thoughts rather than Emily

I care not, Fortune! what you me deny;

You cannot rob me of free nature's grasp;

You cannot shut the windows of the sky,

Through which Aurora shews her brigthening face;

You cannot bar my constant feet to trace

The woods and lawns, by living stream, at eve:

Let health my nerves and finer fibres brace,

And I their toys to the great childreb keave:

Of fancy, reason, virtue, nought can me bereave.

Thomson                                          

Frankenstien and MU!

What similarities do yall see with MU and Frankenstein? Thoughts on how they relate as gothic novels?