Instructions: answer one question here, pasting in your brief paragraph as a comment. (Support your answer with at least 3 different details, making sure to cite page numbers (since we're all in the same edition and it will help us find it!)
Remember, our prompts are:
1. Characterize Lucy: how is she appealing, sympathetic?
How is she also annoying? clueless?
2. Characterize George: how is he sympathetic? Heroic?
How is he also flawed? What's his weakness? His blind spot?
3. Pick one of the minor characters: Charlotte/George Sr./Miss Lavish/Rev. Beebe.
Characterize them.
4. Find three comic moments that hint, either symbolically or metaphorically, at some larger more serious conflict between views or beliefs that are at the heart of the novel. What do they show?
POST THIS PARAGRAPH BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!, THEN,
Tomorrow, write one comment supporting, or refuting another comment here by referring to text to support your position.
80 comments:
E.M. Forster describes George’s father, Mr. Emerson, as having “something childish in [his] eyes” which Mr. Emerson demonstrates when “he thump[s]” the table “like a naughty child” (8-9). Despite acting childishly and appearing “ill-bred” with “[un]attractive… clothes”, Mr. Emerson shows his hidden “kind[ness]” when he generously offers the women his rooms (14). George Senior reveals his practical, down-to-earth logic when explains to Lucy and Miss Bartlett that “women like looking at a view; men don’t” (9).
In chapter 1 of a Room with a View, Forster uses small moments and issues that will become major themes later in the story. For example, after Mr. Emerson offers his room to Ms. Bartlett and Lucy, Ms. Bartlett focuses more on his "tact", "manners" and popularity than his proposition, her reaction revealing a theme about the importance of social standing. (12) Offering advice about the incident, Mr. Beebe tells Ms. Bartlett that "understand[ing]" "the truth is difficult", foreshadowing future conflicting truths. (12) Mr. Beebe also mentions the Emersons' link to socialism: thus the Emersons search for equality in society. (12)
George Jr., a lowborn man, has a quality that Lucy has never seen, an “odd feeling” that made her feel as if the conversation were “widen[ing] and deepen[ing] till it dealt with something… whose existence she had not realized before”(9). Mr Beebe speaks of the boy and his family highly but brings up the point Lucy felt, echoing that he “find[s] it difficult to understand people who speak the truth”(12). Not only does George Jr. bring the excitement of truth in an utterly polite world he also has her pity, she being rich and empathetic gives him points simply for “being poor” (13). Once he gets the sympathy point across he gets even more attractive for the male hero by accepting her pity “by raising his eyebrows and smiling” (11) completely differently than the way someone of Lucy’s class would act. This brings us to the final huge stand out reason that these two must be star crossed lovers, they are in completely different castes of society, she is a “better class of tourist” (8) and he is nothing but “one of the ill bred people one does meet abroad” (8), what better catalyst for love than an overbearing cousin keeping them apart?
Miss Bartlett, rather known to Lucy as Charlotte, is a snobbish woman of low class who feels as if it is her duty to be curt and snide to everyone that is not worthy of her “apparent” status. She rambunctiously voices that the Signora had “no business at all…promis[ing] [them] south rooms” knowing full well that Charlotte and her traveling companion wouldn’t get them. She feels an obligation to get what she wants through her association with her young cousin’s wealth (7). When Mr. Beebe snubs her, noticing her tactless, manipulative behavior, he replies curtly, “I am eating it, thank you, and enjoying it.” (10). This suggests that many people around her notice her “suspicious” and “gross” behavior and she feels as though her superiority makes her greater than her inferiors (9,14). In reality, she truly feels “powerless in the presence of brutality” and therefore speaks snidely to protect her insecurities (9).
In A Room with a View, Lucy fulfills the three basic elements of the ingenue character, to annoy, interest, and sympathize. For example, Lucy, revealing her immature nature, whines “I want to see the Arno!” (7) In another example, Lucy’s youthful spirit appears exciting and interesting when she sees the clergymen, Mr. Beebe, exclaiming “Oh, how perfectly lovely!” (9) Last, Lucy sympathizes for Charlotte when she says “it is so dreadful for Charlotte, to be poor.” (13)
In A Room with a View, Lucy fulfills the three basic elements of the ingenue character, to annoy, interest, and sympathize. For example, Lucy, revealing her immature nature, whines “I want to see the Arno!” (7) In another example, Lucy’s youthful spirit appears exciting and interesting when she sees the clergymen, Mr. Beebe, exclaiming “Oh, how perfectly lovely!” (9) Last, Lucy sympathizes for Charlotte when she says “it is so dreadful for Charlotte, to be poor.” (13)
In the opening chapter of A Room With a View, Lucy appears to be annoyingly submissive to her cousin, Charlotte, however she is appealing in her ability to be sensitive and perceptive of the people surrounding her. For instance, when she bickers with Charlotte about the rooms, she worries that she is being “selfish,” and therefore kindly insists that her cousin “must have [the room with the view].” (8) Again, Lucy does not stand up for herself when Charlotte constantly “represses” her from “speaking” to the old man and George. (8) Since Lucy consistently appeases Charlotte throughout this first chapter, it suggests that she does not feel strong enough to defend herself, and even suggests that she is intimidated by Charlotte. Additionally, Lucy demonstrates sensitivity when she praises Mr. Beebe, for “see[ing] the good in everyone.” (13) This shows that she is perceptive of the subtle, personal behavior surrounding her, and suggests that she values kind behavior. In the same way, Lucy proves to be sensitive when she gives George and his father a “nervous little bow.” (11) Through this gesture, she shows respect for them, something that Charlotte would never do.
Room with a view
Lucy goes about her life as a naive and clueless child who just follows the directions of others. One example is in Chapter 2 when Miss Lavish is taking Lucy to Santa Croce and they get lost. Even though it wasn't Lucy's fault they got lost, she just handed over her Badaeker when Miss Lavish asked her to, even though they were lost and didn't know at all where they were. Although clueless, Lucy can also be sympathetic, like when she runs into the Emersons (pg 24) and she says that "she was determined to be gracious to them...to erase Miss Barlett's civility by some gracious reference to the precious rooms" (24). She knew her cousin had been a poor sport about the rooms, so she felt the need to be nice to them by bringing it up again. Lucy isn't really annoying to any of the characters except Miss Bartlett. In any conversation Miss Bartlett seems to brush off Lucy or cut off what she is trying to say, as if she is some annoying knat. The first one I saw was when Lucy is explaining to Mr. Beebe about her family attending church and Miss Bartlett talks to her as a child, saying "Lucy, dearest, Let Mr Beebe eat his dinner" (20). By saying this she shows how she thinks of Lucy as a 3 year old child who talks nonsense most of the time and asks ridiculous questions.
3. Mr. Beebe is a reverend that Lucy and Charlotte once helped out that is now on vacation in the same hotel they are. He is level headed, polite, and fairly understanding of his surroundings. He likes Mr. Emerson for his character despite his lack of tact or status, but he does not like Charlotte very much. He does attempt to keep polite around her, but occasionally lets off "some irritation" towards her (13). He attempts to facilitate the room change once he hears about it, but when she continues to act rude he complies to her but "inwardly curses the female sex" (15). When George succeeds in switching rooms he is filled with "delight" that Charlotte has lost (15). Based on the first chapter. Mr. Beebe seems to be a fairly likable person and helpful a minor character.
George, the male love interest in "A Room With A View", substitutes his father’s “tact[less]” manners with “sorrowful” complexity and dominates Lucy with greater supposed world experience as a “teacher” to a “school child” (9) (14) (26). Although in comparison to Lucy George exercises his maturity, he actually struggles with “the old trouble” that things “of the universe” “don’t fit”, which provokes his “unhapp[iness]” (27) (28).
George Emerson is a classic romantic hero who showcases both well-mannered and ill-tempered characteristics. As a boy who has been trained for politeness and courtesy, he "keep[s] the conversation strangely pure" in the face of arguments among associates. (52) However, if he is thrust into the argument itself, he will shut himself down, insisting he has "'nothing else to say.'" (9) Unfortunately, this causes others to perceive him as akin to a baby who "'hasn't learned to talk yet,'" when his antisocial personality is realized. (12)
Question 1:
E.M. Forster's A Room with a View contains a young socialite named Lucy, who comes off as annoying, yet interesting and sympathetic. To begin, Lucy, “promised” in the “letter” from the Signora, complains that she didn't get the room or the view assured to her by the Signora, which makes Lucy appear too whiny over a petty situation, like the view from a window (7). Even so, Lucy seems awkwardly polite and respectable at times, as she takes “no extra pleasure” in seeing George and George Sr. left out of the conversation at hand and acknowledges them with “a nervous little bow” during dinner (11). In addition, Lucy also wishes to be independent of her chaperone and even of her mother in England: Lucy wants to spent the first day in Florence “alone,” despite Miss Bartlett demanding that she “accompany [her] everywhere” (19).
In "A Room with a View", by E. M. Forester, George is a likeable man since he seems more thoughtful sensitive than the other characters. For instance, he says that it is "obvious" that Charlotte and Lucy "should have the rooms" with the view and that "there is nothing more to say," indicating that he is very aware of social classes and uninterested in arguing his status. Also, when Charlotte summons Mr. Emerson to her, George appears in his place and says his "father is in his bath", as though his father is too preoccupied to meet with her; in this way, George defends himself and his father by not granting Charlotte's wishes. In addition, since George keeps to himself and seems reserved towards others, the clergyman says that George "hasn't learned to talk yet", which means that he is probably more sincere in his words than the other tourists at the pension, who are pretentiously "genteel".
Charlotte Bartlett, Lucy Honeychurch’s older spinster cousin, accompanies her relative to Italy as a chaperone. In the first chapter alone, Charlotte displays a negative, haughty attitude, unhappily harping on the fact that she and Lucy had been given the wrong rooms in their hotel, repeating the line “The Signora had no business to do it at all!” about four times (7). When Mr. Emerson, one of the other guests at the hotel, offers to switch rooms with her and her cousin, Charlotte automatically knows that the “intruder [is] ill-bred, even before glanc[ing] at him.” (8): clinging to her “upper-class” ideals, she grows suspicious of his offers, and rejects it, although she herself is technically poor. Later at the dinner table, Charlotte demonstrates a pessimistic and snooty aspect to her character when she states “This pension is a failure.” (9): by saying this, she expresses her scorn at the fact that the trip is not going completely as planned, thus demonstrating a pretentious personality.
Charlotte Bartlett is small-minded, manipulative, and a bully. When she suggests that the "tactless" Emersons mean to force her into some "obligation" by doing her the favor of trading rooms, she shows that she thinks little past gender and social stereotypes. Later, she shows herself to be a small-minded conformist, almost sexist, when she explains to Lucy that their job as women is not to do things, but to motivate men to do things. On several accounts, Charlotte insists on the opposite of what she wants, playing the poverish peasant to make people push luxury on her, as in with the changing of the rooms, and later when she goes to do chores. Throughout the story, Charlotte manipulatively bends Lucy's impression of other people at the pension, and of Italy and its citizens in general. Charlotte proves herself to be a bully when she arrogantly reprimands the Emersons in the first chapter, but is however insecure and backs down when they don't. Later, she is critical of them, slandering their reputation further by encouraging gossip regarding Old Mr Emerson's socialist views while the Emersons are not there to defend themselves. Overall, Charlotte is more of an annoying obstacle than an antagonist.
In “ A Room with a View”, E. M. Forster presents Lucy as the perfect ingénue. As the story begins hints of sensitivity and empathy shine as Lucy’s strong qualities but she also exhibits annoying and clueless qualities as well. Lucy shows humility when she “[feels] that she [has] been selfish” when discussing the room situation with Charlotte, though Charlotte guilt trips often. Later when even “in the midst of her success” she” found time to wish [the Emersons} did” fit into the respectable society. This also shows her innocence and ignorance, she has lived a sheltered life and thinks of them as “ill-bred tourists” without knowing them at all. Lucy could be considered innocent but that innocence does slide into haughty judgment occasionally. This occurs when she pities charlottes financial situation stating “it is so dreadful for charlotte, being poor” and when she expects “quite a scene” to arise whenever talking to ill-bred people.
4. Find three comic moments that hint, either symbolically or metaphorically, at some larger more serious conflict between views or beliefs that are at the heart of the novel. What do they show?
In the beginning when Mr. Beebe surprises Lucy with his appearance, Forster writes that Mr. Beebe "preferred to talk to Lucy...rather than to Miss. Bartlett" indicating he prefers Lucy over Miss. Bartlett. Later, he describes George as a rather peculiar man suggesting he disapproves of him. Lastly, in chapter two, Miss Lavish ditches Lucy "disappearing down a side street."
Lucy Honeychurch, a main character in “A room with a view”, is often seen as kind yet naïve. This is first seen when Lucy, swept up by all the conversations, looks towards George and George Sr. and feels badly that they should be left to dine alone, when only moments before she had wished for them to go away (11). Charlotte, often disapproving of Lucy, makes her feel guilty for Charlotte being a bore, which Lucy often buys into, “I must have been selfish and unkind” (13)
As both Ms. Charlotte and Lucy settle into their new rooms, Lucy is under the impression that Ms. Charlotte kindly leaves her to go look after their room arrangement, “ Charlottes energy, and unselfishness!”(16)
E.M. Forster's novel, entitled A Room with a View, establishes the conflict between social class and gender, particularly when Mrs. Bartlett, who resents tourists and new-comers, says that it is "out of the question" for them to exchange rooms in Bartlett's home, the Windy Corner (8). Additionally, the clergyman Mr. Beebe "inwardly curs[es]" the female sex (15), illustrating the conflict over which gender is superior. Furthermore, Lucy believing that "women," not men, like "looking at a view" (9) emphasizes that men and women have come to critically observe each other based on bias rather than accurate descriptions.
In A Room with a View, George Emerson Sr. embodies the tropes of lovable rouge and gentle giant as well as the mentor archetype. Not caring that society may see him as tactless, Mr. Emerson generously offers Lucy and Charlotte his “rooms” that have “view[s]” of “the Arno” after over-hearing the women squabbling about who should take the last “vacant room in the front” (7-8). Although the women initially see this “old man” as “childish,” “heavy,” “gross,” “brutal,” and even “violent,” as Lucy begins to understand Mr. Emerson better, she begins to realize that he is not the “giant” she once perceived, but a man who wants everyone to “love one another, and work and rejoice” and who cares deeply for his son (9, 25, 30). At the end of the second chapter, Mr. Emerson expresses his deep concern for his son’s happiness and urges Lucy to “let [her]self go” and to “try and understand” George Jr. (29). Although this may seem only for his son’s benefit, Mr. Emerson believes that Lucy “understanding” George’s view of life will help her to “learn to understand [her]self” (29). His caring, down-to-earth and generous attitude, disillusionment with “tact,” and passionate belief in the kind treatment of other people, seem to make George Emerson Sr. fit seamlessly into these three general character profiles thus far in the novel.
#4
In Forster's novel, A Room with a View, Forster's speaker uses several witty comments or illustrations to hint at potential symbols. The first comic example is as Charlotte describes Mr.Emerson as a man who most likely offered his room to become "aquainted" with her and Lucy before they decided to "get into the swim" as though Charlotte was assuming that Emerson's rough appearence could only mean he was a dirty man with the intention of tricking her and Lucy (8). Through her assumption that Emerson is a bad man, Charlotte suggests a possible theme of rejecting another's assistance or potential friendship only because of outward appearence. After meeting Emerson, Charlotte discusses with Rev.Beebe; asking what Beebe knew about Emerson. Within the conversation about Emerson, the Rev. Beebe ironically goes on to say that he doesn't "understand" "people who speak the truth" although he is a minister: as if to suggest that even those who should be the most familiar with honesty, are blind to it (12). Finally, Charlotte presents a humorous metaphor as Emerson offers his room and she responds by saying that is "quite out of the question": responding in a way that shows she is close minded to anything that is too out of the ordinary, even if it is generosity (8).
3. In the very first chapter of E. M. Froster’s Room with a View, Charlotte Bartlett, Lucy’s older, poorer cousin who is paid to chaperone Lucy on her trip to Italy, reveals her strict, traditional views when she uses her passive-aggressive to manipulate everyone around her, as well as, avoid any kind of humiliation at all cost. A perfect example of this is in the very first page where, after first bringing up the fact that they do not have a view in their room, she employs subterfuge to seem selfless, saying “any nook does for me...but it does seem hard that you shouldn’t have a view,” causing Lucy to feel “selfish” (7). An additional traditional view she seems to have is that she only pays attention to those older and of higher status than her; while speaking with Mr. Beebe she constantly represses Lucy from talking, telling her to “Let Mr. Beebe eat his dinner” to silence Lucy, so that she can continue to talk to him (10). Also, she tries to either appeal to the noble and high class in a “humiliating” situation, or go about her usual guilt tripping to solve the problem. Like when George Sr. stirs up “quite a scene” over the room swapping Charlotte “look[s] around as much to say ‘Are you all like this?’”, clearly trying rally up support to avoid embarrassment (9).
Lucy, a naïve young women unacquainted with proper conduct, relies on her own sense of morals rather than understanding of class. Although Mr. Emerson’s offer to switch rooms is seen as tactless by Miss Bartlett, Lucy recognizes his offer as purely “[kind]” (11). When parting from George and his father, Lucy “bows” for she gets “no extra pleasure” from “[leaving]” “anyone in the cold" (11). When Miss Bartlett suggests that if the pair manage to get a room with a view Lucy must have it, Lucy argues against her suggestion. However, when they do get rooms with views, Lucy is “bewildered” that Miss Bartlett took the “largest” one (16).
Lucy, the protagonist of A Room with a View, clearly does not know much about the world or the people she keeps company with preventing her from ultimately making her own decisions. For example, while dinning, Charlotte, “repressing Lucy,” refuses to switch rooms with Mr. Emerson and his son George (8). Lucy who clearly wants the rooms allows Charlotte to speak for her assuming that Charlotte only has Lucy’s best interests at heart which is not always the case. After further discussion Lucy and Charlotte decide that they will take the Emersons’ room, there Charlotte explains that she “[took] the largest room” for fear that Lucy’s mother would not approve of her living in a room once occupied by a young man (16). Lucy does not see that Charlotte’s constant manipulation of every situation only does her more harm than good. Lastly, the next day Charlotte scolds Lucy for looking “out of the window” in her sleep wear then continues to rush Lucy into getting dressed so that she does not loose the “best of the day” when really all Charlotte has planned is to stay in the hotel (19). Lucy, who wants to see the city clearly is controlled by Charlotte on a level beyond child and chaperon.
Charlotte Bartlett, the elder cousin and chaperone of Lucy, proves herself to be overly prim in the very first few pages. For instance, when responding to the kind, if not a bit uncultured Mr. Emerson, Charlotte “open[s] her mouth as little as possible,” and keeps her response grateful but curt (8). The fact that she could barely open her mouth shows her disdain for the lower class, despite the fact that she, herself lives in “Tunbridge Wells” where they “are hopelessly behind the times,” and poorer than someone of Lucy’s class (13). Charlotte’s economic disadvantage could account for some jealousy of Lucy, especially since Charlotte is more “skilled in the delicacies of conversation” and in society in general than Lucy is, although Lucy has more money and therefore more social status than Charlotte (9). Charlotte overcompensates for her lack of money by knowing the proper way to do everything, even to the point of smothering those around her, and making herself look foolish.
2.) As the leading love interest, George Emerson is introduced as a respectable young man, however, he displays discontentedness with his life. When his father demands that he persuade Lucy and her cousin to take their rooms, he sorrowfully replies that "it [was] so obvious that [Lucy and Charlotte] should have [their] rooms" and that there was "nothing else to say" (p 9). Furthermore, George tends to question and desire truth, as shown by the found paper with the question mark scribbled upon it that was left hanging in his room (p 17). Also, when he and his father meet Lucy at the chapel he continues to "somberly" question the meaning of life and death (p 27). Besides his quest for truth and morose outlook on life George also seems to be a sympathetic man, especially towards his father's forward kindness and blunt honesty.
In the book, A Room with a View, there are a lot of humorous scenes that show a brief description of people or events that may happen in the future. For example, Miss Bartlett replies, “My own wishes, dearest Lucy, are unimportant in comparison to yours…If you wish to turn these gentlemen out of their rooms, I will do it,” (15) this shows that Charlotte likes to complain, knows how to get what she wants, and it very witty. Also when Mr. Emerson says “you and I, dear boy, will lie at peace in the earth that bore us, and out names will disappear as surely as our work survives,” (26) the readers picture George and Mr. Emerson interrupting people in the church and coming off at rude, offensive, and ignorant. This scene is funny because Lucy feels like she is next to a bunch of wackos. Finally, towards the end of chapter two, Mr. Emerson speaks to Lucy and advises her to “ let [her]self go. Pull out from the depths [of] thoughts that [she doesn’t] understand.” (29) Mr. Emerson also suggests that by doing this she may also fall in love with his son. Mr. Emerson comes off as being an intellectual man that thinks he knows a lot of things, which may be true in some cases. However, some may think he comes off as ignorant.
In Forster’s A Room with a View, Lucy and Miss Bartlett act peculiar and absurd, implicitly showing how their minds function. For example, when Lucy tells the clergyman that “the name of [her] house is Windy Corner,” she suggests that her hometown shaped her into an open-minded lady. (10) Thus when she says “Oh, Charlotte…we must have the rooms now. The old man is just as nice and kind as he can be”, she shows that she accepts that George offers his room out of generosity. Whereas Miss Bartlett, acts stubborn, fixated on rejecting George’s offer. She implies this when she says that she lives in “the narrow world at Tunbridge Wells.” (13) Miss Bartlett’s hometown shapes her into a narrow-minded woman. In addition, as “Miss Bartlett…s[its] on a tightly stuffed armchair…[with the] colour and contours of tomato”, this shows that at the moment, her face turns deep red, frustrated by having to deal with George. She sits on a specific type of chair that symbolizes her narrow mind, unable to simply accept that George has not ill-intentions in offering the room. Furthermore, as Miss Bartlett “talk[s] to Mr. Beebe…her long narrow head dr[iving] backwards and forwards”, Miss Bartlett hints that deep inside, she still refuses to accept Mr. Beebe’s comment that George does not want to hurt her. (11)Then as she does this, her “head [moves]…slowly, regularly, as thought …demolishing some invisible [tangible] obstacle”. This implies that Miss Bartlett feels suspicious about an impending dangerous act that may hurt her and Lucy. She feels scared because she can not see it.
In E.M. Forester’s A Room With A View, comic interactions between Lucy Honeychurch, Charlotte Bartlett and the other Bertolini Pension guests hint at the larger more serious conflict between the views or beliefs that are at the heart of the novel. As Lucy and Miss Bartlett arrive at the pension, discovering that they do not have rooms with views, “the ladies’ voices began to grow animated” as they wrangled, under the “guise of unselfishness” over who should have the next vacant room with a view (8). The childish and rather passive aggressive banter alludes to Charlotte and Lucy’s strained yet close relationship. Consequently, an “old man” overheard the fretting girls and immediately offered up his own view- graced accommodations. Overwhelmed by such a tactless man, “Miss Bartlett, though skilled in the delicacies of conversation, was powerless in the presence of brutality,” revealing the deep-rooted social prejudices that dominate society (9). After finally agreeing to switch rooms with the old man and his son George, Lucy is left with the smaller bedroom as Charlotte takes the larger room reasoning that “it belongs to the young man, and [she] was sure [Lucy’s] mother would not like it” (16). Miss Bartlett’s blatant manipulation is a comic moment in the first chapter as it reveals the extent of Lucy’s naiveté and Charlotte’s ability to control her cousin.
1. Characterize Lucy: how is she appealing, sympathetic?
How is she also annoying? clueless?
Lucy is a young soul, a prime example of curious optimism and the definition of naivety. Only accustomed to her privileged life, Lucy is reliant on others to tell her what to do and this passive lifestyle has made her thoughts and feelings seem “out of touch” with real life. The first signs of her optimism surface as she says, LITERALY says, “I was hoping that he was nice; I do so always hope that people will be nice”(12) Her rainbow-lolipop joyride doesn’t end there, as she finds Ms. Lavish’s speech “very interesting” and “hurr[ies] over” to her in “high spirits”(19-20). Next, to say that “Lucy was bewildered.” (16) is an understatement. Lucy misinterprets Charlotte’s attempts to maneuver ahead of Lucy as “energy” and “unselfishness”. (16) Even she converses with Charlotte she “’again’ feels a sense of unsuspected issues” begging the question, can Lucy expect at all? Lastly, Lucy’s extreme dependence and sheltered lifestyle go hand in hand. Lucy is told “eat your dinner” (9) and does, is told to stay quiet when they trade rooms as Charlotte is the only one “implicated” (15)… so she and does. “Fearful of being a snob”(21) Lucy belittles the fact that she has “’only’ 30 acres of land in Surrey” (21) and also expresses pity for Charlotte’s lack of funds, acting as one who has no comprehension of the struggles of a life besides her pampered one.
3. Pick one of the minor characters: Charlotte/George Sr./Miss Lavish/Rev. Beebe.
Characterize them.
Throughout the first two chapters of A room with a view, there are multiple symbolic clues that reveal the personality traits of the characters. For example the character Charlotte Bartlett is portrayed as manipulative, conceited, and hypocritical before page twenty. One of the first examples of Charlotte manipulating a situation occurs on the very first two pages of the novel when Charlotte states that the “first” “vacant room” with a view simply “must” go to “Lucy” (7, 8). When Charlotte’s reasoning for giving up the room is that Lucy’s “mother” would “never forgive [her]”; she uses passive aggressive tone and reverse psychology to manipulate Lucy into insisting Charlotte “must have it” (7, 8). An example of Charlotte being conceited happens when she judges George Sr. immediately based on his appearance. Since Charlotte describes “kn[owing]” he was “ill-bread” even before looking at him, and then her face “redden[ing] with displeasure” as she decides his “clothes” do not “attract” her, clearly she is full of herself and only wishes to converse with people in the same social status (8, 9). Charlotte also displays her self-centered attitude when she “rais[es]” her “voice to speak” so that all the people in the “drawing room” will hear her apologize to George Jr. and accept the offer to trade rooms (15). Finally, there are many examples where Charlotte contradicts herself. When Charlotte complains about not having “a room with a view”, at the next meal she luckily has some poor neighbors eavesdropping who offer to trade with her; but she declines their offer because they are poor. Since Lucy herself describes Charlotte as “poor” and Lucy’s mother “pa[ys]” for Charlotte to “chaperone” Lucy on vacation, clearly Charlotte’s rude judgments towards the less fortunate is hypocritical (15).
Throughout history, generations of Romance novels have included ingénue protagonists such as Lucy in E. M. Forster’s A Room with a View. Lucy Honeychurch, a young, wealthy, and consequently sheltered girl, has been brought up well. When she is speaking to Mr. Beebe about her brother, she corrects herself saying, “’though it is not often we get him to ch-The church is rather far off, I mean’” (10). In addition, giving George and his father a “nervous little bow”, she shows that she wants to be amicable to everyone regardless of their social status (11). However, Lucy’s ignorance, can also prove annoying as she complains that “the rooms smell” (14).
E. M. Forster uses metaphors and symbolism to portray Mr. Emerson’s son, George, as a sympathetic but heroic man. For example, when Mr. Emerson strongly urges George to persuade Lucy and Miss Bartlett to exchange rooms with them, George says in a “perplexed and sorrowful” voice that “it’s obvious they should have the rooms”, showing that he prefers the women be satisfied even if it makes him uncomfortable or distressed. (9) He also “rais[es] his eyebrows” and “smil[es]” at the women to acknowledge their presence, an action that shows George understands how charming he appears to everyone else. (11) Lastly, Forster infers that George is a sympathetic, quiet man; Mr. Beebe contends that George “hasn’t learned to talk yet” and “values” others’ gratification above his own, having “no thought of putting [Miss Bartlett] under an[y] obligation”, thus showing that he cares for others. (12) George represents a man that has the ability to possess both qualities of a quiet, reserved man, but also of a charming heroic figure.
Right from the outset of the novel, George begins to charm Lucy and gain her sympathy, despite displaying his flaws. When Charlotte speaks with George in the drawing room, he entertains her "barbed civilities" with his polite attitude, "scoring a notable triumph" to the "secret delight of Lucy"; Lucy is already falling for George, even though he spoke very little (15). In addition, when George was asked to speak, he was "perplexed and sorrowful," which shows that George is introverted, a quality that could later endear Lucy to him (9). However, Mr. Beebe says that George "hasn't learned to talk yet," (12) revealing that George gives off the impression that he is not well-spoken, and perhaps gives off other bad impressions, too. These bad impressions could impede his success later in the novel.
In A Room with a View by Edward Morgan Forster, Lucy comes across as an appealing yet clueless woman. Take for example, Miss Bartlett, knowing Lucy is somewhat moronic, orders Lucy to stop interrupting Mr. Beebe’s dinner by speaking with him. However, Lucy comes off appealing to men, giving them a feeling of superiority of her. Another example, Lucy, “hop[ing]” that “people will” “always” “be nice,” causes the other characterizers sympathize her naïve attitude about life. Though her care free attitude makes her seem clueless, Lucy is happier and more “open,” just like her windows in her new room, as in comparison to Miss Bartlett who is more pessimistic, “fastens” her windows shut.
Dr. P, its Andrea Ordaz. Sorry I was absent yesterday. I had this done last night I was just confused on how exactly I needed to post this as a comment. Thank you!
:D
E.M. Forester portrays Lucy as a considerate young women, who tends to be very gullible. After their first meeting, Lucy “nervous[ly] bows” to the “two outsiders”, Mr. Emerson and George, in anattemp to remain courteous, despite the fact that they weren’t respected by the others at the Pension Bertolini (pg 11). While at Santa Croce, Lucy, possessing a great deal of compassion, “dart[s] forward” without hesitation to help the child who “entangled his feet in the features of a recumbent bishop” (pg 24). Afterwards, Lucy admires Mr.Emerson’s attempt “to be kind”, respecting the friendly qualities which she also tries to display (pg 27). Although Lucy is actually rather smart, she allows Charlotte to manipulate her: Lucy is “sure” that her “mother wouldn’t mind” Lucy having the room that belonged to George, but out of respect for Charlotte and a “sense of larger and unexpected issues” Lucy surrenders, “enveloped” in Carlotte’s “protecting embrace” (pg 16).
WhoRU user318? (P)
I'm so sorry this is late! I've been trying to post this all day, but keep stumbling across an error thing. AAAAAH! I HOPE THIS WORKS.
In the novel A Room with a View, E.M. Forster portrays Charlotte Bartlett as a selfish judgmental lower-class woman who strives to appear "genteel" and elite by manipulating people with her "conversation[al]" "skill[s]" (9). For example, when Charlotte "peevish[ly]" wrangled with Lucy, George interrupts the quarrel stating that he would switch rooms with them. From the start, the "startled" Miss. Bartlett judges the "ill-bred" man, and critically declines the "intruder['s]" offer (8). Additionally, she overlooks what she notices in his "eyes", and assesses his "[un]attract[ive]" "appearance" (8); instead of taking advantage of his offer, Charlotte denies him solely on the basis of his working-class status when Lucy's mother "gener[ously]" "pa[ys]" the chaperon to travel with her daughter. (8). In another example, Miss. Bartlett asks Mr. Beebe about the "old man" who sat with her at dinner (11). When finding out that Mr. Beebe and the man are "friend[s]", she chooses to "say no more", but easily confesses her "unfortunate" happening with the "attractive" "clergyman" (9, 12). Even though she attempts to appear lady-like and responsible by acting like Lucy's "chaperon", she negatively gossips about George and his son; thus, her "narrow-minded" "rudeness" displays her hidden true colors (12, 13). In addition, Charlotte further manipulates naive Lucy when she "explain[s]" why she "ha[s] taken the largest room" (16). While trying to appear "unselfish", Miss. Bartlett tells Lucy that she "should have given" the room to her young cousin (16). Furthermore, Charlotte skillfully convinces Lucy with her "know[ledge]" of the "world" by cunningly convincing her cousin that "it is more suitable" a woman "be under an obligation to [the] father" (16); in reality, Charlotte falsely creates "larger and unsuspected issues" in Lucy's mind that ultimately end up working in the chaperon's favor.
@ Benedile
I disagree with your annoyance of Lucy. While agree that Lucy is naive and does not understand her status, I believe these qualities are more meant to be endearing to show innocence. For one thing, she is incredibly nice to everyone around her and is very polite. She has been raised to be polite, and is conscious to offending others. She thinks that she must not "be selfish or unkind" and must be "more careful" (13). Kindness is generally a good quality for a protagonist. Her innocence is also contrasted by Charlotte, who takes advantage of her and thinks only about status. While Charlotte is calculating and antagonistic, Lucy is innocent, and therefore, a protagonist.
@Benedile, refuting the response to Question 1:
Lucy can't really be blamed for depending on Charlotte during their trip. Charlotte, though poor and of a lower status, has the power to control Lucy because she was appointed as a chaperone by her mother (see pages 8 and 12). Furthermore, notice that Lucy does try to independently act on her own in minute ways, even when she tries to convince Charlotte that her mother “wouldn't mind” if she stays in a room belonging to “a young man” (16). Lucy also stands and speaks for herself eloquently, determined to present herself the way she wants to be seen, most notably when she refutes Mr. Emerson's “remark” at the end of the second chapter (31).
Lucy Honeychurch is naïve, but nice, girl that looks to others for direction. She is always thinking about how others expect her to behave, especially charlotte. For example, Lucy complains about not having a “view” (p 1), immediately after, she realizes she must look “selfish” (p 1) to charlotte. She also follows her cousin’s example and refuses Mr. Emerson’s offer until Mr. Beebe convinces her otherwise. However, unlike charlotte, she hopes “people will be nice” (p 12) and takes no “pleasure” (p 11) from “people left in the cold” (p 11).
In A Room with a View by Edward Forster, George, Lucy's love interest, comes off as a kind young man. As he says, “It's so obvious they should have the rooms,” (pg. 9) George agrees with his father and offers the nicer rooms with views to the young ladies, in order to be a gentleman. When he says, “I would rather go up to heaven by myself than be pushed by cherubs; and if I got there I should like my friends to lean out of it, just as they do here,” (pg. 26) it becomes apparent that George is a spiritual man who believes in the afterlife. He also believes in sharing good fortune with his friends. When “he was quoting poetry in his ordinary voice,” (pg. 29) he proves his appreciation for the arts in his every-day conversation.
@ whiterly
I agree, Lucy is an intelligent girl. The only problem is that she isn’t aware of her intelligence or expects herself to think. For example, Lucy looks at George and muses, “healthy and muscular” yet he gave her a “feeling of greyness” (p28). After having the thought, she realizes it was” unlike her” to think of anything so “subtle” (p 28). Lucy doubts her intelligence, which causes her to look to charlotte for guidance. This enables charlotte to manipulate Lucy.
I agree with imiller904, who proves that Lucy’s “innocence slides into haughty judgment occasionally.” In addition to the scene that was mentioned (when Lucy pities Charlotte’s financial situation by saying “how dreadful it is to be poor”), Lucy imparts judgment by claiming that “no one would take [Mr. Beebe] for a clergyman” because he “sees the good in everyone.” [13] Lucy appears innocent in her observation, by appreciating Mr. Beebe’s positive spirit. However, through this remark, she also generalizes that every clergyman is mean-spirited when by suggesting that Mr. Beebe is unlike other clergyman.
Whiterly
Although I agree that Lucy is considerate, she does not appear gullible but sympathetic. Lucy feels "selfish" "unkind" and she must be careful with Ms. Bartlett's feelings because she is poor: thus she over compensates for her own good fortune by considering Ms. Bartlett's feelings and opinoins more than her own. (P. 13)
Going off of jrb11 and Charlotte’s jealousy
Although Charlotte seems jealous of Lucy due to her wealth, I believe that Charlotte uses her “skill[s] in the delicacies of conversation” to make herself feel that she has more status than Lucy since she does not have the money that Lucy possess. (9) Through out the first chapter, Charlotte constantly uses language to repress and manipulate Lucy. For example, after complaining to each other about the rooms with no view Charlotte replies “any nook does for me”, making Lucy feel guilty and selfish. (8) In another example, when the old man and George offer Charlotte and Lucy their rooms, Lucy, attempting to chime in on the conversation, gets “repressed” when Charlotte immediately cuts her off. (9)
@Bill Clinton
George Emerson may be the classic romantic hero archetype, but his being “both well-mannered and ill-tempered” prove only that he is human and his "keep[ing] the conversation strangely pure" and “insisting he has 'nothing else to say'" like a “baby who 'hasn't learned to talk yet,'" portrays him as neither romantic nor heroic (9,52). I feel that your quotes attest to the fact that George, at this point in the novel, has not yet stepped into his eventual role as the archetypal romantic hero, and is still a shy, and awkward young man. However, as George Sr. predicts, his sons views of “tact” and society may ultimately help Lucy “learn to understand “[her]self,” leading George toward becoming both Lucy’s hero and romantic other (27).
@Amerikan, I agree with you to some extent about Lucy's personality; she is the perfect example of an "ingénue protagonist." However, I want to add that her amicability towards anyone, regardless of their social status, displays her naïveté, a personality trait that characterizes her as annoying. For example, when Charlotte "take[s] the largest room", Lucy, wanting to avoid upsetting her older cousin, goes along with Miss. Bartlett's idiotic excuses, and convinces herself to believe that there were "larger and unsuspected issues" (16). Honestly, I find her passive, gullible personality, which makes her accept whatever anyone else wants, really annoying.
@Eva G
I agree with Eva G, Lucy perfectly fits the ingénue character, incredibly naïve, slightly annoying, and really sympathetic. From the get go she comes off as annoying; her and Ms Bartlett’s voices becoming “a little peevish” (8). Later, Lucy forces the “clergyman” to “inwardly curse the female sex” as she sends him off to do her bidding. She shows her childish nature along with her naiveté by becoming incredibly excited; gaining “a dazed expression” and exclaiming “a view! How delightful a view is!” (8) Another great example of her unenlightened mind is the thought that she “so always hope[s] that people will be nice” (12), showing that she always hopes for the best in people, a truly naïve belief. She shows her sympathy by finding, “in the midst of her success,” time “to wish” that the Emersons were not “left in the cold” (11) even though that is where they should be, according to their class.
@ rosurose
I agree with rosurose in that Lucy, a young and naive girl, still does not feel confident enough to form her own opinions on certain situations and frequently relies on the attitudes and personalities of others to shape hers, particularly Charlotte's. When she emphasizes that it is "out of the question" for the "ill-bred" tourists to change rooms (8), Lucy cannot help but overhear the conversation and sharply states that she and Charlotte "don't like to take" such people (8). However, there are certain moments that oppose this opinion, for she does not completely rely on others' thoughts: when seeing her daily life rather "chaotic" (32)and confusing due to the multiple figures around her bickering and arguing, Lucy turns to her principal companion thus far: music, or more specifically the piano. Once she plays that elegant instrument, her world becomes more "solid" (32) and stable.
Agree with general consensus about Charlotte's manipulation and NotStephenColberts statement that Charlotte often contradicts herself. An example being her disgust with the original set of rooms, her complaint being that they were "a long way apart"(7) In an attempt to claim the "vacant room in the front" (7) she begins to make a fuss over the view. This sudden interest in the view is immediately discarded the moment she is confronted by Mr. Emerson. Again after her complaints about the view, she "fastens the window shutters" immediately, which reveals that her interest in the view was only for manipulative gain, as she contradicts having the view by shutting the...oh you get it.
P.S Shopping Cart, Phiji, no love for the benedile??
I agree with JustineWeasley's post because each quote she used to support her assertions helped us as readers genuinely make assumptions about our characters. i generally would've liked to see a more integrated selection of quotes to support her claims because although George “didn’t fit”, in with the universe” and that predicted his “unhapp[iness]”, he still sometimes felt inclined to behave cordially towards Lucy,especially at Santa Croce, when he wanted to be appreciated for his and his father's attempts at "improv[ing] [their] characters (27,28)."
George, the male love interest in "A Room With A View", substitutes his father’s “tact[less]” manners with “sorrowful” complexity and dominates Lucy with greater supposed world experience as a “teacher” to a “school child” (9) (14) (26). Although in comparison to Lucy George exercises his maturity, he actually struggles with “the old trouble” that things “of the universe” “don’t fit”, which provokes his “unhapp[iness]” (27) (28).
Like Clarebear explained George Emerson Sr. does fill the trope of a lovable rouge and gentle giant as, at first, he is reprimanded for his “tact[less]”, “gross” behavior by classists such as Ms. Bartlett, but is later revealed to have patriarchal love for his son and even Lucy, a girl he just met (9). George Sr. worries about his son’s well being, asking Lucy to “help” George realize that “by the side of the everlasting Why there is a Yes” (30). By means of asking this, George Sr. also cares enough to hope that Lucy will learn to “understand” her own “thoughts” “and spread them out in the sunlight”(29).
I agree with ShoppingCarter that Mr. Beebe is a reverend that "does not like Charlotte very much." In addition, to the quotes provided, Mr. Beebe "prefer[s] to talk to Lucy ...rather than to Miss Bartlett" when he is "eating ...and enjoying" his dinner(10)Upon his departure, Miss Bartlett irritates him causing him to leave behind "a haze of disapproval in the air"(13). However, throughout his entire stay, Mr. Beebe never criticizes Miss Bartlett directly in a rude manner.
@ Bandanna_Bandit
I completely agree. Also, if you notice, Charlotte is stubborn and gets upset when she does not get her way. For example at the beginning of chapter two Lucy "would rather like to go out" and Charlotte does not (19). Surprisingly Charlotte tries to manipulate the situation by insisting that she "take Lucy herself," knowing that Lucy will not want to see the city with her chaperone (19). Instead, Miss Lavish offers to take Lucy, clearly to the dismay of Charlotte.
@User318:
Lucy may display childlike tendencies, but I would disagree on her simply following directions. I believe her motives may be based more on her own insecurity than an obligation as a follower. For instance, when she feels that she "[has] been selfish" (7) in her choosing of the rooms, she argues that Charlotte should have the room, out of her own courtesy rather than being told to offer it.
*(I agree with Sir Nicksalot)
Not only does Miss Bartlett's obvious dissatisfaction with her own life encourage her to treat Lucy passive-aggressively, she also takes out her jealousy on people less fortunate than herself. Charlotte declares that George is so "angry" about the rooms and trying "to keep polite" when in reality, she is frustrated with herself and blames others for comfort in order to hide her inadequacies. (15)
Penglish it's Brad Rock
I really like what jrbg11 said about Charlotte because she's not just manipulative she's also jealous of Lucy. Like you said, her manipulation comes from her jealousy of people with money since she doesn't live live in "Tunbridge Wells" like her cousin. I like what A.Rajo said about Lucy and Charlotte's "strained relationship" because it fits in with this theme, talking about how they are somewhat close, yet Charlotte's envy gets in the way of them being closer. It's easy to say that Charlotte is manipulative and passive-aggressive, but it's a deeper thing than just that.
In parts I both agree and disagree with User318.
Although many a times lucy wants to be kind she is held back because she easily follows what others say. For example in page 11 lucy finds her self sidetracked from her recent popularity by the guilt of having left the Emerson's "out in the cold", yet Lucy does not welcome them to the conversation because she is aware of Charlottes opinion.
@ Bill Clinton:
I agree with your statement about George being polite and courteous as he “keeps the conversation strangely pure” in the face of arguments among associates. Like I mentioned in my previous post, when a slight fight began when the ladies refused to accept the nicer rooms with the views, George settled the argument by agreeing with his father and saying, “It's so obvious they should have the rooms. There's nothing else to say.” (pg. 9) By not even thinking twice about offering the rooms to the ladies, he proved how generous and kind he is.
In response to imiller904
I agree with you that Charlotte’s guilt trips probably influence Lucy’s decisions and make her appear humble since Lucy seems to always “feel” “selfish” even when she ends up with the short side of the stick (9). Also, I think that Lucy can be judgmental at times simply because she has been raised to not questions stereotypes and to believe everything her cousin and family tells her; so in that respect I think she is sort of naïve and doesn’t necessarily mean to be rude or judgmental.
@A.Rajo
I completely agree with you in that the seemingly humorous discourse between Lucy, Charlotte, and the guests in the Bertolini Pension hints at a more serious conflict concerning the views and morals that give a pulse to this novel. A great example of Charlotte's social prejudice views are exhibited when she describes a lady sitting at the top of the table as "look[ing] so clever" even when the Lady had just rudely interrupted and blatantly stated that Mr. Beebe's opinion as "wrong!"(10) This strange comment from Charlotte on the rude behaviour asks the question of why wouldn't Charlotte get all upset and humiliated by the interruption. I suggest that the reason Miss Bartlett was not taken aback was because the lady was indeed "from the top of the table," showing she must have a very high social class and be extremely rich. In short, Charlotte's vastly opposite reactions to a similar rude and offsetting situation thereby shows that class/status really is the only thing Miss Bartlett looks at in relationships.
I agree with ISABELsmith in that Lucy is highly perceptive to her the people around her. Along with Isabel's examples, Lucy also “bows” to Mr. Emerson and George when she has no desire to "leave anyone in the cold" which shows that she is aware of and sensitive to them (11). Lucy, unlike Miss Bartlett, is perceptive to Mr. Emerson's true intentions in that he is simply be trying to be "kind" (11).
ABSENT 2/15/11
3. In E. M. Forster’s A Room with a View, he characterizes Charlotte Bartlett as the bitter, superficial, overly proper cousin of Lucy Honeychurch. For example, growing “peevish,” Charlotte “insist[s] ” on letting Lucy have the “front room” with a view since Charlotte was paid her to chaperone her, demonstrating her bitterness towards her younger, wealthier cousin (14). Next, when an “intruder” offers them rooms with views, Charlotte “kn[o]w[s]” the “old man” is “ill-bred, even before she glance[s] at him,” displaying her uncalled for judgments based on his appearance (15). As the man and his son try to persuade her to accept their offer, Charlotte “opens her mouth as little as possible” in order to reply without causing “a scene” to maintain her place among the “better class[es] of tourists” (15, 16).
In agreement with Sir Nicksalot's opinion...
Charlotte truly is a woman who enjoys the feeling of superiority she experiences when she treats others as inferiors. Charlotte shows that she enjoys feeling better than others as she is openly gossiping about Mr. Emerson with Rev. Beebe, calling Emerson a "socialist" (12). As a part of desiring superiority,Charlotte tries hard to b sociable with Rev. Beebe, a well-known clergyman who could potentially make Charlotte well-known or make her seem like a "good Christian". Charlotte shows her desperation for conversation through her silly compliments; like her telling Rev.Beebe "We are most grateful to you," (11).
@ Kotah
I agree with you on the annoying and sympathetic qualities for Lucy, however I think her ability to sympathize is what makes her interesting, instead of her youthful excitement. For instance while the other patrons of the pension willingly exclude the Emerson men from the general conversation, Lucy feels displeasure and tries to make up for the group by “g[iving] the two outsiders a nervous little bow,” which automatically sets her apart from the rest of the characters (11). As you mentioned, Lucy sympathizes for Charlotte’s poor background, whereas the rest of the characters seem incapable of that same sympathy for those of lower status than them. This is evidenced again at the dinner table when Charlotte exchanges glances with some of the guests about the unintentionally ill-mannered Mr. Emerson, while Lucy instead looks for the best in Mr. Emerson by “hop[ing] that he [is] nice” (12). What sets Lucy apart the most is her empathy for other people, and I feel that is what makes her interesting.
@rosurose
Although I do agree that Lucy is indeed a "naive" yet "nice" girl, I have an inclination that despite her not wanting to be "selfish" she still displays selfishness: by wanting to be liked and admired by those around her; Though not in a malevolent manner, but rather to be accepted in the way in which she was raised, properly, as shown throughout the course of the first and second chapters.
I agree with Bill Clinton that George Emerson comes off as antisocial when he chooses to back out of conversations when they are brought to him instead of contributing. However, he shows himself to be able to communicate better through body-language. While he talks to Lucy the least of all the characters, they interact the most in his awkward yet kind actions, such as helping her when she faints at the fountain in chapter four, and later when he bluntly "kisse[s] her" at the end of chapter 6. It can be noted that he shares his difficulty communicating his true thoughts in words in common with Lucy, who better expresses herself with "music", and small acts of rebellion like forgoing Mr Beebe's warning not to leave the pension at night on her own.
@ rosurose
I completely agree that Lucy is simply a naïve, even nice girl, contrary to those that believe her to be incredibly annoying and selfish. As a member of a higher class, it is to be expected that she displays a kind of innocent snobbery, but still possesses a kind heart: this is demonstrated when she thinks of Charlotte, and “her unselfishness!” (although Charlotte’s intentions may be different than Lucy perceives). (16)
I stand in accordance with user akrenarenk because i also believe that George plays the role as a likeable male character. For instance, Lucy immediately notices the "ill-bred tourists" making "quite a scene" implying that she feels differently towards George; probably with amore when she “g[ives] the two outsiders a nervous little bow.” (9, 11) Knowing that Miss Bartlett and others consider George as an “ill-bred tourist”, I would have to argue that not everyone likes him, especially because of his status. George’s father behaves peculiarly as if he originated from the lower social class when “he thumped with his fists like a naughty child.” (9) Therefore, because Mr. Emerson acts like a lower class citizen, others would assume that George behaves the same and inherits some of his father’s ill beliefs. For example, Miss Bartlett questions Mr. Beebe if George “is a Socialist” and if Mr. Emerson “bought up his son to be a Socialist, too”.
Referring to what kotah said, I agree with what you said about Lucy’s character, especially about her immature nature and youthful spirit. In addition to her excitement and interest in Mr. Beebe, she also displays immaturity when she allows herself to be continually “repressed” by Charlotte, showing Lucy’s submissiveness towards her (16). Also, the fact that Lucy sympathizes over Charlotte’s lack of money just adds to her naiveté.
Since I wasn’t in class Tuesday, I read it online so my page numbers are quite off :S
@jolivia
I agree with jolivia when she says that Charlotte is a very quick to judge type of person. Not only is it in order to protect her niece but also she has a sense of entitlement which she has not really earned. Lucy points out that “it is so dreadful for charlotte, being poor” so we know that she hasn’t the same amount of money as Lucy and her family (13). She feels she deserves the best although she has not paid for it. Charlottes quick judgements prevent her from seeing people and this, I believe, could become a huge problem.
@jolivia
I completely concur with your description of Charlotte Barlett, a haughty selfish manipulator who judges anything and anyone based off of her idiotically pretentious views. For instance, she slyly, "unselfish[ly]" "explain[s]" to Lucy that her "mother would not like it" if her cousin had "taken the largest room" (16); while utilizing her persuasive speaking skills, Miss. Bartlett tricks Lucy into believing that she "knows where things lead to", and gains what she wants, the "largest room" (16). Also, while inspecting "her room", Charlotte comes across Mr. young Emerson's "enormous note of interrogation" (17). She begins to "examine it", and gradually starts to view the "menacing, obnoxious, portentous with evil" paper in a negative light, even though she did not know what it "mean[t]" (17). She was even compelled "with an impulse to destroy it", but realized she had "no right to do so" (17).
As Eva G wrote, in EM Forester’s A Room With A View, the main character “Lucy, a naïve young woman unacquainted with proper conduct, relies on her own sense of morals rather than an understand of class.” Following Lucy and Miss Bartlett’s awkward interaction with George Sr. and then their conversation with Mr. Beebe, “there was a haze of disapproval in the air,” the source of which Lucy is unsure (13). Quite the naive ingénue, Lucy has enough natural instinct to notice the disapproval and “tried to locate it, but as usual she blundered,” thus automatically assuming she “must have been selfish or unkind” (13).
@Eva G
I agree with your comment about Lucy trusting her own sense of morals rather than her understanding of class. For example, when Mr. Emerson speaks to her in the chapel "she ought to have been furious," because he was "abominably impertinent," but instead she could "not get cross." Even though she knows that her upbringing commands her to be annoyed, she trusts her own feelings of forgiveness. However, I find it interesting that Lucy becomes "disdainful" and "[un]enthusiastic" when there is "no one to tell her" which sculptures "were really beautiful," showing how she relies on others to dictate what she should enjoy. This example contradicts an assertion that Lucy always trusts her own instincts.
To: Kotah
I agree withh this person about Lucy being an interested character because although she may come off as a clueless young lady she is also very curious about the world. "Do you know which is the tombstone that is praised in Ruskin?" (28)
3) In Forster's "A Room with View", Mr. Emerson, a.k.a. George Senior, "a man, of heavy build, with a fair, shaven face and large eyes", despite lacking some basic manners, self-control, and patience, is an extremely generous and honest man who means well (8). For example, when Mr. Emerson "lean[s] forward over the table and actually intrude[s] their argument", the ladies immediately judge him as "one of the ill-bred people whom one does meet abroad", although he is simply informing them that he "ha[s] a view"and is willing to "change" "rooms"(8). When Miss Bartlett respectfully declines Mr. Emerson's generous offer by saying it is "out of the question", the latter immediately becomes incensed, demanding an explanation "with both fists on the table", thumping them "like a naughty child" (9). On a more positive note, Mr. Emerson shows both his impatience and his persistent desire to help others by first asking his son George to "persuade them" (the girls), into seeing his logic, then by sending Mr. Beebe, the clergyman, to mediate and reason with the girls in an attempt to get them to accept his offer (9,14).
I disagree with isabelsmith: I do not believe that Charlotte (a.k.a Miss Bartlett) is intimidated by Lucy or does not feel strong enough to defend herself. I believe that the way she "represses" Lucy from speaking at the bottom of page 8 shows that she is still in charge, not Lucy. Furthermore, she feels indebted to Lucy, because her "traveling expenses were paid by Lucy's mother - a piece of generosity to which she made many a tactful allusion", meaning although she is the chaperone, she still lets Lucy make some decisions (8).
@mchan32193
While George does portray a quiet, introspective, man, I don't think he cares very much about other people as he likes to keep to himself. When he tries to stay out of the women's way, "he return[s] moodily to his plate", which opposes the charm that you imply.
@ Benedile
Agreeing with Benedile, Lucy maintains her ‘high on life’ attitude, allowing her naïveté to make the other characters, such as Mr. Bartlett, feel sympathetic of her. Therefore, in turn taking advantage of her, let’s just say it, stupidity. My favorite quote that I too found, “I do so always hope that people will be nice,” characterizes Lucy quite well (19). This poor young girl can be smarter than she thinks if she just actually “locates” her natural instinct on the other characters disapproval, but again, she is simply “blundered” by her naïve attitude. (13)
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