“I have a bit of a problem now that the fairy roads are all open….what do I do with them?”.

I found this quote on one of the Bloomsbury sites (I know we talked about that last week). It was an interesting little article about Clarke, her plans, and possible paper discussions. I found it because I am thinking about writing my paper about the satire (specifically of governments) in JS&MN, and when I googled satire and the title, this article came up. If anyone is having trouble with finding a topic, you should check out this site.
I hope my link works! See you in class tonight.

Help for paper topic

I want to do my paper on the fantastical elements of drug-induced addiction using Wonderwall as a reference text. We discussed a lot of things that are hard to understand about addiction, such as, why not just stop using the drug. There were a lot of questions about the cough syrup. It would help me create a paper outline if everyone would post some of their questions about addiction in the story or otherwise. Thanks!

Ending Dilema!

During the last two class periods, we have been discussing the ending of the story and how it leaves so many questions unanswered. However, I feel that Clarke wrapped a great deal of the story and relationships neatly at the conclusion of the novel.
For instance, I feel that she resolved the relationship dilema between Mr. Strange and Mrs. Strange very well without having to write another 100 pages in the book. Strange took great pains in securing a safe passage for Arabella out of Faery, and he provided for her comfort and pleasure through the Greysteels.
Also, in the final pages Strange comes back to find Arabella in order to tell her what is going on and why he has not returned to her. He does not want her to suffer in the cloud of darkness that surrounds him, but he is trying to uncurse himself so that he can return to her in the end.
Furthermore, I know Arabella understands the situation because throughout their entire marriage Strange has "left her to her own devices" when he was pursuing his magical endeavours. She is a confident and capable woman. They are both happily married, and I truly believe that they are reunited and grow old together!!!

Other Cast Ideas

I know that Stacey was asking if there was anything definite yet about the cast, but I don't think that information has been released if it has been determined. So, I went looking for other people's opinions after seeing that there were no definite actors listed on any website I could find. Of course, I love imdb.com, so I was looking over some of the posts at the bottom. Check them out and see if you agree with any! Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell movie info

Still bugging me

The part of the ending that is bugging me is the fact that they are both trapped in the darkness. Did we finally decide that it must be a curse rather than just a spell because it lasted so long? Moreover, wouldn't it have to be the Gentleman who did it b/c the names were not specific ... the English magician, rather than a specific name (like the nameless slave refering to both the Raven King and Steven... therefore also getting messed up)? If so, since it didn't go away when the Gentleman was killed, does that make it a curse for sure? Lastly and most importantly, if it is a curse, can you uncurse yourself?

Mr. Norrell on screen

I haven't heard much about the movie version of the book at all, but am very excited it's coming. After watching The Lord of the RIngs: The Return of the King, this weekend, I think that Ian Holm, otherwise known as Bilbo Baggins, would make the BEST Gilbert Norrell. Any idea who could play the other characters? Maybe Adrian Brody for Strange because they talk about his big crooked nose. Does any one know if the cast is decided already?

JS & MN prophecy

I'm thinking of doing my paper on the prophecy in JS & MN. I need as much of the prophecy as I can get though. If anyone knows where any of the fragments are let me know. I'll also be looking but it's a huge book.