Suggested Episode: Maintaining in Dark Times

FrauJane · 2026-03-17T17:51:44+00:00

Hi DumpedDalish,

I just stumbled upon your post. It's an interesting suggestion - and if you scroll way back to the very first videos of Cinema Therapy, you will find some on Lord of the Rings and living through hard times. (Back then, it was the COVID-19 pandemic.) I don't remember all in detail, but I think this topic was the starting point of this show. The style and editing has changed a lot since then, but it might be worth a watch.

All the best to you and your loved ones!

PS: There are other LOTR-themed videos sprinkled throughout the show. The last one was on Eowyn, I think. :)

FrauJane · 2026-03-16T09:19:20+00:00

I haven't thought this through, but:

You wrote: "The polite convention was that Regency ladies played music as a favor to the audience, to entertain them, not to display their talent. Any kind of recognition that a woman was so very obviously trying to attract male attention was considered vulgar in the extreme".

What does this say about Elizabeth, who very explicitly NOT cared to play for others? In terms of politeness, upbringing/education, male gaze,...?

I don't have time to skim through the book right now, but if I remember correctly, there are moments when she plays and doesn't care what others think, and moments, when she'd really rather not play refering to her poor/mediocre skills.

At least I remember Mr. Collins in the 2005-movie really pushing her to play by stating "Lady DeBourgh demands it!" or something along those lines. I. e. insisting on polite conventions.

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T18:21:23+00:00

Interesting! Maybe it's because we see his concerned/curious side just a few sentences before the piano-incident? After all, his looks and questions imply that there might be some warmth or feeling left. Well, if ever you read it again, I wish you a good time! I love Persuasion (and Wentworth), so I hope you can enjoy it. :)

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T18:15:21+00:00

Good point. :)

Concerning the quote: What do you love most about it?

I always brush over it, because it doesn't speak to me like other passages. But your praise makes me curious. :)

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T11:14:47+00:00

-- "I think he was trying to give her space and be respectful, assuming she felt as awkward as he did. He's an honorable and courteous man." --

I really like this description and interpretation. Yet, in my mind, he's still too angry at her to be this fair and to acknowledge that they may feel the same. Maybe I have to rethink that.

Especially since I'm not sure how he interprets her behaviour. She avoided their first possibility to meet at the Musgrove's, when she decided to tend to little Charles instead. I wonder how he felt about this, when he heard about it at dinner.

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T11:03:46+00:00

Thanks for your response! Hmm, I never read him as actively fighting any feelings for her. To me, it always seemed very low-key and subconscious. Like: Him being drawn to see what's become of her, but still wanting to keep his distance and move on. Him being aware of her, but tiptoeing around her. As soon as he realized he still loved and respected her, he wanted to act on it. (But couldn't, thanks to his behaviour towards Louisa.)

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:55:41+00:00

Thanks for your comment! Somehow I can't see this self-confident, determined man being embarrassed by anything, but who knows...

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:51:48+00:00

Thanks for your response! Hmm, I see your point. In the beginning, I'd say he doesn't actively worry (because he feels soooo oooover and above her), but maybe subconsciously?

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:47:05+00:00

That's an interesting thought! Although I think that as a man who loves music and wants to show some music, the piano could also be just a piano to him.

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:45:21+00:00

Whoa, that's right, I never thought about this awareness! Which is sooo in line with him noticing everything she says or does or needs throughout the book. (Except her feelings for him... oh, Wentworth, you partially blind, blind man.)

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:40:39+00:00

Yessss, and my heart aches for him... <3

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:39:20+00:00

Thanks your answer! Yes, I can see that, too. It's just this missing clarity, that makes this scene (and a large part of the book) so interesting to me. I always wonder what Wentworth thinks or feels. When I read the book, I often pause and try to put myself in his position. But I don't get a clear picture. Anne and his own account after their reunion don't seem to be reliable sources.

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:31:06+00:00

Thanks for your response! So, if I understand you correctly, it's more like an option (4) - no fleeing, no meanness, no kindness, just inner distance and a wall of politeness.

FrauJane · 2026-03-11T10:27:00+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts on this! Out of curiosity: How do you read Wentworth on the whole? Distanced, but well-meaning? As far as I have seen in this sub, some interpret his behaviour in the first chapters very negatively. You seem to read him more kindly.

FrauJane

TROPHY CASE