6,030.00 18 6,030.00 18 2,412.00 4 14472 7,156.00 20 7,156.00 20 1,206.00 2 15518 18 20 2 14,392
For me, chapters X and XI were the best out of Cranford so far, because they deal with Victorian neuroses, paranoia, and the occult. In this scene, reminiscent of combating a vampire, the sign of the cross is made to ward off an evil spirit or otherwise some un-Christian element from the East, I wasn't sure which. I also liked the footnote explaining the possibly of Signor Burnoni possessing a "will…of deadly force" which said that something like the "evil eye" has existed since the late 18th century, whereas one could direct the will through the eyes into some sort of metaphysically powerful gaze. I would like to know more about these sorts of beliefs with Victorian folk. My Russian professor was telling us the other day that generally people of lower social standing are more likely to believe in superstition - to not risk losing wealth or health - and it fits in perfectly with the ridiculous delusions that the ladies of Cranford underwent in Chapter X and all the irrational xenophobic fears that surmised.
Also I found it easier to get into the novel by realizing who it was published for - Gaskell's contemporaries. I suppose fear of losing wealth invested into risky international banks or businesses may have been a realistic imperial fear. Poor Miss Matty. But despite some of the support Miss Matty's friends have promised her in her poverty, I have no doubts that they will soon begin to think less of her for losing her status.
i cant help but stare at girls in the library
then they notice
and i stop for a bit
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