October 2, 2005

Books taking over

It is odd how some books shift the way one sees things, at least as long as one is reading them, while others, however excellent, remain contained within the covers. It is not a question of profundity, or artistry either. Something about world-building, I am guessing.

I am teaching Emma this week, and have been rereading it. I can't tell you how many Frank Churchills and, particularly, Harriet Smiths, I have run across in the past several days. But while this phenomenon can be irritating — really, one Harriet Smith is quite sufficient, and Frank begins to pall after a short time — it has provided an unseen benefit. There is someone who irks me (and there is no danger of that person recognizing themselves in this post even if they do stumble across it — which is one of the irksome things about them — so I am quite safe), and it just struck me, very forcibly, that they are none other than Mrs. Elton, in the flesh, living and breathing. And talking. Odd how this is helpful, but it is. Now I just have to think of them chasing after the barouche-landau. Out of breath, pins flying. Up, over the hill. Gone.

Scribbled at October 2, 2005 3:33 PM AST | Permanent link to this post | More? books/reading

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