Scarlet Pimpernel Discussion

Finally getting around to posting questions, sorry for the wait. My life has been a little busy the past few weeks, if you want an excuse. ;o) These questions were taken from GradeSaver.com.

1. Do you consider the narrator to be impartial? Does the narrator ally him or herself with a class, a country, a cause?


2. Who is the central protagonist in The Scarlet Pimpernel? In other words, who carries the emotional weight of the novel?


3. How is point-of-view a crucial device in the rendering of Percy? Do we ever experience events through his perspective? How is his heroism dependent upon the way he is seen?


4. At what point does Lady Blakeney become a sympathetic character? Would you consider her an unlikable character as she initially appears?


5. What purpose does the Comtesse de Tournay serve in the larger arc of the novel? Why do you think she disappears after the first section of the book?


6. How does Chauvelin manage to be a threatening villain without ever having to engage in physical combat with the Pimpernel? Is he ultimately threatening?


7. How is the Scarlet Pimpernel flower a larger motif for the themes of the novel? Does it fit Percy as a character?


8. Why doesn't Chauvelin have to die at the end of the book for a successful resolution? Would the novel have been more satisfying with a different resolution, or does the resolution as Orczy presents it fit the tenor of the book as a whole?


9. How does loyalty play a key role in the distinction between Percy succeeding and Chauvelin failing in achieving their goals? Are these respective men's followers equally loyal to their causes? Is their loyalty distinct?


10. Is Percy a less admirable hero for never physically taking on his enemies? What is his ultimate goal as the Scarlet Pimpernel?

Simple Pleasures

I've been tagged by my friend Liz.  Its a pleasant one and easy, so here goes...

List 5 Simple Pleasures.

1.  Listening to Ethan play the guitar and singing with him.

2.  My boys' laughter.

3.  Reading a fun book.

4.  Having a clean house.

5.  Looking at pictures of my family as we've changed throughout the years.

Creative Therapy

Just the other night I spent a couple hours making hair bows, when I was done I was beaming from ear to ear.  I told Ethan, "That is the only therapy I really need!"  I love to create things (especially when they turn out so great!)!  Here is a sampling of my latest creations:

I did a "Baby Shower in a Box" for my sis-in-law in MO.  She wanted some thank you cards and I fiddled around until I got something I liked and could make 15 of...

I also made my sis-in-law a blanket, as I was at Walmart to get ribbon to complete it I found this fabric.  She loves frogs, and so I couldn't pass this up.  I decided to try doing a "tag" blanket for her, this was the result.

Since she is having her first girl, I sent her a bunch of hair bows/clips... I feel like I'm getting pretty good at it now that I've had some practice (let me make it clear that these are the ones I've been practicing on, and are in no way perfect).  I should be rearing to go by the time my baby girl arrives...

My mom's boss went to a scrapbook fair and returned to give my mom some ribbon and flowers. She said she knew we liked to make cards and these were discontinued so they were cheap.  She figured if my mom didn't want them that I would, she was right!  Thanks Barbara!

Sorry some of the pictures aren't very good.  I need to get better at it, if I plan on selling stuff online.  Thanks for looking, its always fun to share what I love!

My new do...

I was able to have my sister-in-law Brindy cut my hair last weekend... what do you think?

I think this is funny...

You Are Pocahantas!

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

I think this fits me a lot better than Marianne Dashwood, maybe thats because its all positive. I'm so vain!

Why Have a Book Club...

I am currently reading a book entitled, "Men with a Mission 1837-1841 The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the British Isles."  When I got up at 4 this morning I read a passage that really impressed me.  The section of the book is discussing how important it was for the Apostles to be "observers of the world around them."  Brigham Young advised his son Brigham Jr. in 1862 to

"improve yourself to the utmost in studying good books and in associating with, and listening to, and profiting by, the conversation and experience of good persons."

So, my few fellow readers... thanks for helping me to follow a prophet.  I can read good books, but I need  you in order to follow all of his counsel.  

One other thing that Brother Brigham said (to a different son in 1855) I really liked...

"Listen attentively, and observe minutely the manners, customs, and remarks of all, for from the most humble of our fellow creatures an observing man can learn something that will be useful to him in after life."

I love this!  I try to be observant, but I don't know if I've placed the reason.  I completely agree that I can learn from even the "most humble of [my] fellow creatures."  It just validates that we are each important, not only to our Father in Heaven, but also to our brothers and sisters on the Earth.