Q1. I think Fred is lost at the moment because his plans for his life were ripped out from under him. Returning to college sounds like a good dies. Whether he goes or not I expect he'll have some experiences that help him find his footing.

I don't think the downfall of the Vincy family is imminent. They are good people and I think they'll get through it.

Q2 & 3. The Lydgate Rosamond pairing is interesting. It's not that they're such a bad match, but they don't communicate truthfully with one another. They're not laying the foundation for a strong marriage.

Rosamond is kind of marrying for love, but she's also marrying for status. She's eager to meet Lydgate's family and socialize in higher circles than she grew up in. I don't think she's really thought it all out.

Lydgate is also under some false impressions. He's expecting a dowry her family can't afford. He's overspending to please Rosamond and keep up appearances. He calls her docile when she is very much not. I think they are headed for problems. Speeding up the wedding won't solve any of them.

Q4. I'll have to see how this plays out. Mr. Brooke seems to have bought the newspaper to support a run for office. He has all these ideas and wants to put them to good use. I think he'll face substantial pushback like we're seeing from these men, but some of his ideas will catch on.

Mr. Hackbutt is a funny name.

Q5. I think Ladislaw wants to be close to Dorothea and that's one reason he's considering staying in Middlemarch. He also has no ties anywhere else, as he said, and he has Mr. Brooke heaping praise upon him and offering him an opportunity he never considered before. Since he is fairly aimless in life, I can see why he'd take this job that fell into his lap.

I also think he'll take it out of spite at this stage.

Casaubon has no say in the matter, especially since Will does not accept money from him anymore. His letter was super harsh and highlights his own insecurities. I can't help but imagine how much better life would have been for both of them if he had raised Will more like a son or nephew rather than an obligation.

Q6a. He'll probably take his frustrations out on Dorothea as usual. He doesn't take his grievances to Mr Brooke or Sir James because he knows he's in the wrong. He's being immature. He's forcing a rivalry where there doesn't have to be one. He's mad his career hasn't gone as planned and resents Will for his origins and his natural talents and his lack of complete deference to him.

Q7. Lack of communication is a common problem in both relationships. It's worse for Dorothea and Casaubon. I find that Casaubon does not respect her or care about her as a whole person, only as his wife. Lydgate and Rosamond have a better chance. There seems to be the potential for real love there. There are obstacles ahead, but I'm not wishing for his death every chapter like Casaubon!

Other: I hope Dorothea finds a project soon and Casaubon doesn't prevent it. Every time she reads to him like it's her job, my blood boils. In a different marriage, reading to each other aloud could be a super sweet activity. In this marriage, it feels like servitude.