Grudges and Self /////// Isabelle

    Before I get into the main topic of my post, I have to point out the "Jarndyce and Jarndyce" case being a great parallel to why we shouldn't hold on to anger and grudges. The book starts off with the dreariest description of a courthouse (is there any other way to describe it?) and a case that has been going on forever. The real reason behind the case isn't even known anymore, because they've been at it for so long. As someone with family who has been in dragged out lawsuits and court cases, I have to say this description is completely accurate. In the end, it comes down to who can afford to pay their lawyers the longest. You're just being bled dry in a case nobody remembers the initial reason behind. But, I digress. 

    Chapter 3 is clearly where the butter meets the bread. I hope I'm not the only person who notices how Esther has a warped sense of self. The way she sees herself as being unintelligent bothers me, especially after the whole paragraph about the doll. She displays empathy and imagination, which are qualities of social intelligence. 9 days out of 10, social intelligence is more effective in life than IQ. I mean, this ridiculous notion that she isn't intelligent is clearly a result of the way her godmother treats her. Nobody should be sad on their birthday. And why would you call a child a "disgrace?" I should be embarrassed (I'm not) about the amount of times I had to stop reading, take a breath, and remind myself Miss Barbary is not a real person. That being said, the end of the chapter was very beautiful for Esther. The way she buries the doll I believe is symbolic of her moving on and preparing for her new life under the care of Mr. Jarndyce.

Comments

  1. Ian BlairOctober 25, 2021 at 11:03 PM

    An interesting insight with the parallel of the doll's burial there. I think in anything one does in life, whether professional, familial, or otherwise, should start with establishing a great culture. If people do not think that they can be in a certain environment or around a particular person, it can drive metaphorical wedges between coworkers, family members, etc. Esther's upbringing is extremely alarming because there are situations like hers (though hers is fictional) all over the world, and most may not even know it's happening.

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