Fascinating stuff, Bluestocking Literature. One of the questions in class was whether or not this was pedagological material, or if Scott lost her audience by making it too philosopihcal. Well, I rather think that Scott was trying to teach the wider world something by pushing her entire manifesto onto folk (116-117), and she ends it with that cousin reading the Bible, the New Testament, which is such a surprise because he starts the novel out as an unreligious little bugger, doesn’t he? Well, it’s hardly surprising, considering the run of novels we’ve had this year, that Scott would want to teach us something. I’m inclined to like what Scott’s trying to teach us a bit more than what some of these other folk are trying to teach us, though. I do think that the cousin’s opinion, that Christianity must be the damned right religion because those folk are so perfect, has some sway in it. Indeed, the society treats its members quite tolerably and gives them something to do and a living to enjoy. Most of it is their own choice. All they need to do is give up everything and live in the society. The Society, in turn, will promise to keep them alive and not quite turn them into Stepford Wives (Dwarves, or otherwise). I stand by that this is a Communist idea before Marx, but then again it’s based on principles which Communism adheres to, although Communism throws the Bible away. On the face, just like Communism, this place works just fine.
Then there is a slight complication in the fact that they can vote members out of the place, members who won’t conform and are irritating. Well, only two or three have been threatened, and what… only one voted out? Not so bad, really. Very idealistic, optimistic view, but we’ll let it swing. Oh, and folk are segregated. Apparently Dwarves will be stared at, therefore they must be hidden in a garden so that they don’t get stared at. This is a slightly ridiculous notion anyway, but nevermind. Oh, but you can have a tour through the Society? Well, that’s not at all like the Iron Curtain. Let’s take a walk through Bedlam, shall we. B… sorry! Belle-place, I meant. B…ed…world… like a fluffy world which has nice fluffly places for its people to live in… But a free tour of endoctrinisation is always a grand thing.
I think that this novel has it’s up-points, but I have to say that I also think there are over-optimistic and, sometimes, completely contradictory views in it. As for lesbianism, I’m not entirely sure that Scott is that creative, but I rest my case because I should have had this post done two weeks ago and now I’m rushing things. As always. Yay for end of year!
