Magic for Beginners: Spring 2006

Definition

2007-09-05T21:17:00.001-07:00

Science fiction is a fictional genre that contains elements which are currently considered impossible or unknown. Many of the themes incorporated in this genre are advanced technology, alternate universes and life on other planets. New ideas and technological advances are often explained in a very logical, if slightly vague manner.

I haven't had much experience with this genre. I am an avid fantasy reader and sometimes stories fall within or on the boundary of both genres. I love Douglas Adams and I also read a lot of anthologies which contain Sci Fi stories.

Prophecy question

2006-05-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have a question about one line in the prophecy and wanted to know if anyone knew what it meant or knew where I could find the answer in the book. It is the line that says "The first shall bury his heart in a dark wood beneath the snow, yet still feel its ache." Does anyone think that this part of the prophecy came true or maybe it's one of the things that didn't change on Vinculus. Just wondering if anyone knew.

The Friends of English Magic reply to Cody

2006-05-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

On April 11, in the midst of our Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell discussion, Cody posted a link to the fansite The Friends of English Magic, writing in part:

"I found a site on the JonathanStrange.com forum from someone who seems to take it upon him/herself to answer (kindly) the questions readers have."

A week later, the moderator of The Friends of English Magic tried to post a reply to Cody; because he's not a member of this blog, the post went into my moderator's queue, where I found it only today. It reads:

Please note I'm not trying to overstep the mark - your entry seems to imply I've got a monopoly on answering questions - LOL ;) Definately not true, there are far better people out there than I that have contributed the most. I merely .. facilitate :)

However, I wished I knew about this blog earlier - it's ruddy marvellous and I've just added a link to it from FoEM as this site raises some very interesting issues with regards to JS&MN which I've not seen outside the official site and FoEM itself.

Regards,

Martyn Drake

Unfortunately, The Friends of English Magic website seems to be out of order at the moment (whisked away to Lost Hope, perhaps?), but you can see Martyn's very nice plug for our "ruddy marvellous" blog by Googling both "friends of english magic" and "magic for beginners" and clicking "Cached" on the first hit that comes up.

If you're out there, Martyn, thanks for the plug, and let us hear from you.

Songs

2006-05-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

I may be unique in this malady, but I find myself incapable of listening to song lyrics. This happens in the songs we are listening to in class and others. I concentrate really hard on the lyrics in the beginning, but I get swept away by the instrumental part. Next thing I know, it is the seventh track, and I have not learned anything from the lyrics. Am I the only person this happens to?

Gaiman's American Gods bibliography

2006-05-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

While browsing info on Marie Laveau, I stumbled across Neil Gaiman's bibliography of reference works that went into the writing of American Gods. It's excellent, and I commend it especially to those who have expressed curiosity about the research that fiction writers do.

Blog problems

2006-05-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else having problems leaving comments or reading posts? Because if you are, you can't read this.

Third Eye and other commentary

2006-05-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

In most cases, I do not like the Black Eyed Peas, but the catchy beat of "Third Eye" managed to pique my interest. However, I only could think of two possible relations to the class: first, the song being a reference to the Indian god from American Gods and the second being the mention of Pinocchio and Jepeto as related to the appearance of fairy tales in some of our stories. Did anybody else find any other connections to our readings?

Also, I wanted to point out the obvious connection between Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs' hit "Lil Red Riding Hood" and Kelly Links' "The Donner Party". I interested to hear everybody else's evaluations and connections. See you tonight!

On a tangent

2006-05-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am kind of embarrassed to say that I had never read Pride and Prejudice. However, after hearing it mentioned so often while we were talking about other stories (like the English style in JS&MN), I decided to read it. I loved it! I am excited to see the movie now. (I avoided watching it so far because I wanted to read the book first.) I think that it will probably be like Harry Potter for me: the book is amazing and so is the movie but you only love the movie more than you might otherwise because you loved the book. Hence, the book is always better. I just hope that the movie isn't a let down. For those of you that loved JS&MN, do you think the JS&MN movie will be a let down or will it be something you love like the book?

Last Class

2006-05-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

I know we had tossed around the idea of having something for dinner, and everyone agreed to discuss it on the blog. Are we still doing anything? Do I need to bring some money or food? Just curious!

CD Ideas?

2006-05-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all,
I like the idea of the cd, so I was thinking about some other mainstream songs that could have been included. Any suggestions? Just something to think about. I've listed a couple of my ideas below...

That Old Black Magic – Johnny Mercer
You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon (identity)
I am the Walrus – The Beatles
Magic Bus – The Who
Immigrant Song – Led Zeppelin (“The Oakthing”/American Gods)

Our intrepid band of adventurers

2006-05-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

Standing: Jose Aguirre, Barbara Blaylock, Virginia Thomas, Amy Wilkinson, Cody Blowers, Stacey Fox, LaTorea Brooks, Jessica Crowe. Seated: Katie Chamberlain, Courtney Peinhardt, Elizabeth Blackwell. Not pictured: Clayton Zook, last seen entering one of the viae ferae.

Awards news

2006-05-01T20:25:00.000-07:00

I just realized that the texts and authors on our syllabus are well represented on a number of awards ballots this year. Here's a list, which I hope will impress you with a) the high regard these people currently enjoy in the contemporary fantasy field; and b) the profusion of awards given in this field.

This coming Saturday, May 6, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America announce their 2006 Nebula Awards. Finalists include Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell for Best Novel, Kelly Link's "Magic for Beginners" for Best Novella, Kelly Link's "The Faery Handbag" for Best Novelette and Margo Lanagan's "Singing My Sister Down" for Best Short Story. Also a Best Novel nominee: Terry Pratchett's Going Postal.

Finalists for the 2006 Hugo Awards, to be announced this summer at the World Science Fiction Convention, include Kelly Link's "Magic for Beginners" for Best Novella, Margo Lanagan's "Singing My Sister Down" for Best Short Story and Ellen Datlow, co-editor of The Year's Best Fantasy & Horror, for Best Professional Editor.

Finalists for the 2006 Stoker Awards, to be announced this summer by the Horror Writers Association, including Kelly Link's "Some Zombie Contingency Plans" for Best Long Fiction and Kelly Link's Magic for Beginners for Best Fiction Collection. Also a nominee for Best Fiction Collection: China Mieville's Looking for Jake, which includes "Report of Certain Events in London."

Finalists for the 2006 Locus Awards, to be announced this summer at the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle, include Kelly Link's "Magic for Beginners" for Best Novella, Kelly Link's "Some Zombie Contingency Plans" for Best Short Story, Kelly Link's Magic for Beginners for Best Collection, The Year's Best Fantasy & Horror for Best Anthology and Ellen Datlow, co-editor of that volume, for Best Editor. Also nominated: China Mieville's Looking for Jake for Best Collection, Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys for Best Fantasy Novel, Jeffrey Ford's "The Cosmology of the Wider World" for Best Novella, Jeffrey Ford's "Boatman's Holiday" for Best Short Story and Neil Gaiman's "Sunbird" for Best Short Story.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize nominees include Margo Lanagan's Black Juice, which includes "Singing My Sister Down," for Best Young Adult Fiction.

And though I forgot to mention it at the time, Kelly Link's "Magic for Beginners" already won the British Science Fiction Award for Best Short Fiction.

Congrats to all!

The Best Song Ever

2006-04-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

The Peter, Paul and Mary song is now my favorite song of all time. It is practically perfect in every way! The lyrics and music fit the tone of our class exactly, very woodsy and mystical. The inclusion of animals and apostrophe makes it enchanting and otherwordly, and dammit, it rocks!

Also, you can never go wrong with Jethro Tull. Nothing like a fab flute solo to make your day!

Marie Laveau

2006-04-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

I love the song Marie Laveaux. It definitely fits with all the zombies we've encountered over the semester. It reminded me more of Andy's story than the Link stories about zombies. Anyone else really like this song? Anyway, here is a link to a Marie Laveau (or Laveaux) Voodoo shop in New Orleans. It also gives a little history of Marie Laveau.

My topic may suck

2006-04-25T13:30:00.001-07:00

I feel like my topic is a little lame and unimportant after reading all of yours, but I was thinking of writing my paper on the magical roads present in JS&MN and also in the short story we read earlier on the streets that jump locations. I loved that story and I love the concept of roads that don't always do what they're supposed to or lead where you think they will. I intend to use the King's Roads, the Fairy Roads, and then the streets from the short story. Not exactly sure if I can get 2000 words from it or not.

Addiction

2006-04-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

I am looking for general questions about addiction. Maybe my last post talked about the paper too much, so there was confusion as to what I was asking for help with. I am going to write the paper concentrating on the fine line between the real and fatastical world when using drugs. I'll explain more tonight in class. However, I think it has to do with the point at which a person becomes addicted to the substance. I look forward to hearing everyone's topics tonight.

Virginia Woolf

2006-04-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I need some help here. I've decided to take a slightly different approach to this paper. It just dawned on me after our guest speaker last week that there are a lot of parallel overtones to many literary works. Then, my sister text messages me asking who wrote the phrase "No man is an island". Of course, having read Donne's "Meditation XVII", I realized a few days later of course, (since my brain doesn't function that quickly) that I could tie it in to one of our short stories, Mr. Aickman's Air Rifle and the interdependence of each of the character roles.

Here's where y'all come in! Obviously, Peter Straub had a particular reason for including Virginia Woolf in his story Mr. Aickman's Air Rifle, but I just don't know what that is. This is where I need your help, especially you English majors of the world! I am not very familiar with her work, and I was wondering about any themes that run through her stories concerning independence or interdependence. I've read The Hours but don't think I can take that as a good biography. My point for asking is to know whether or not I'd be leaving out an integral argument if I deleted her presence from my topic's relevance in the story? From my understanding, her views of death and dependence are somewhat contrary to John Donne's, so I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything! Thanks a bunch!

I (don't really) hate to be the film and video guy

2006-04-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

I think that I may do my paper on Spirited Away...Last paper I did mine on my favorite quote of the semester that far (and still, I think). So this paper I'll do it on the my favorite character - No face... we've talked a bit and blogged some on him...I think I may try and relate him to a character in on of the peices that we've read..though I don't know. And then of course about his relationship with folks in the movie and probably what this means for to us, bringing it all back to our realm..

Back to the Gods!!!!

2006-04-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my paper is going to be a comparison of the portrayals of a few of the gods in American Gods with their portrayals in classical mythology. I know I'm going to talk about Wednesday (Odin) and Mr. Nancy (Anansi), but I'm still working on one or two more. Any ideas?

Paper topic

2006-04-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have another option for my paper other than the prophecy. I was thinking of doing a paper on separation. I thought about focusing on "The Silver Dragon" and JS & MN. I was thinking of talking about how the separation only made the relationships stronger. Does anyone know any other stories with some sort of separation? I thought about Rapunzel but any suggestions are welcome.

JS & MN as a parody

2006-04-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, well, I think I have refined my paper topic to include not only political satire but also Clarke's parodic style. I thought maybe I could postulate that JS & MN is a parody of 19th century literature as well as a satire of British govt. and society at the time.

Do you think I could easily argue this? Or should I just stick to the political satire?

The Endings!

2006-04-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I feel like we have had a lot of discussion about the ending of the book. I feel like I should write my paper on my views about how the book ended and what think was Clarke's reasoning behind ending the book in the style that she did. I want to focus on Strange/Arabella, Lascelles, Drawlight, Stephen Black, Lady Pole/Sir Walter, Vinculus/Childermass. I would like to get feedback on your opinions about the ending of the book. I am extremely interested in taking a closer look at the particulars of the ending. I feel like it would give me a deeper understanding of the characters and the book as a whole.

Rules of Society and Impressions of Characters

2006-04-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

I am not totally sure how I am going to approach this topic and I am definitely open to any and all suggestions, so don't hold back. I think I want to write on the rules of society, what it means to be a gentleman, and how our impressions of the characters change and develop through the story in the context of these definitions. By talking about the rules of society, I could get into the differences in Strange and Norrell, their approaches to magic, and how they reflect different societal rules, norms, and practices. (This could also relate somewhat to what we were talking about in class in early Christianity and the conflicts that occurred then with change and the conflicts in poetry, yet I would have to find a way to stay on topic and make it all relevant.) Then I would talk about what it means to be a gentleman and a member of high society, the different characters considered gentlemen, and those not considered gentlemen. What makes up this definition? etc. (To be talked about: Strange, Norrell, the gentleman, Lascelles, Stephen, and Childermass). Then for my own personal excitement I would like to talk about how our impressions changed over the course of the book of characters considered not to be gentlemen and not of high society. They seemed at first to be minor characters in a story about the society of the English upperclasses, and yet turned out to be very central to the plot, ending, and pretty much everything from out of no where. They were to some extent, the heroes. (Vinculus, Childermass, and Stephen).

Our Favorite Rake

2006-04-23T13:08:00.000-07:00

My paper will be on Lord Byron's role in JS&MN: how he is represented, his relationship with Strange, and the clever footnote about Manfred. Problem is, I don't have a narrow thesis and could use some help from my eager and brilliant classmates. I plan to use the text of Manfred as a second source, so the paper might have two parts: Byron's role and the poem's correlation to the plot.

Vanity Fair on Tim LaHaye and Left Behind

2006-04-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Several of you upstream on this blog have expressed curiosity about what the Left Behind series is all about. I refer you to this excellent recent Vanity Fair article about "co-author" Tim LaHaye (Jerry Jenkins reportedly does the actual writing), a fire-breathing pastor and co-founder of the Moral Majority who views the Renaissance as a turning away from God and who, at various points in his career, has denounced such evils as Catholicism, secular humanism, Dungeons & Dragons and oral sex. He leads apocalyptic tours of the Holy Land, where he and his followers look forward to the slaughter of their enemies, as they believe is foretold in Revelation. "Can you imagine this entire valley filled with blood? That would be a 200-mile-long river of blood, four and a half feet deep. We've done the math. That's the blood of as many as two and a half billion people."

I myself share Martin Luther's dim view of Revelation: "Christ is neither taught nor known in it." Thanks, Amy, for reminding us of that.

Hurtfew Abbey

2006-04-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth's link reminds me that one of the many significant names in the novel is the name of Mr. Norrell's house, Hurtfew Abbey. This nicely echoes Norrell's cautious attitude toward magic (or vice versa). It's akin to the doctor's adage: "Above all else, do no harm."

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

2006-04-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-04-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-18T11:51:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-18T10:54:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

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.

Viae Ferae

2006-04-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

I hate to keep going back to this...it has intreaged me so..so much that pictures have been taken..

two views of the "doorway" (as I call it) that I walk through pretty much everyday right next to the staduim...the other day walking through it thought...wait this used to be a building...or will become one?

Another that I'm not sure quite qualifies since we know that Gorgas hall was what was just torn down and the new DKE house will soon rest there...a sign both of something once there and something to come!

and one other thought before I leave the Viae Ferae alone again..what about
internet VFs ?

Women and John Segundus

2006-04-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

First, after perusing the various sites linked to our fabulous blog, I realize we need to spend more time with John Segundus. As an orginal English magician, the proprietor of the first school of magic, and the biographer of Jonathan Strange, he deserves to be wined, dined, and cuddled.

I am also interested in discussing further the role of women in the novel. The gentleman with the thistle-down hair uses two women--Lady Pole and Arabella--to fulfill his freakish desires at Lost-hope, but also a man, Stephen Black. Does he pick those he enchants based on their submissiveness or their genders?

Also, what happens between Lady Pole and Sir Walter when she returns? Does Arabella wait for Jonathan? What is the deal with her black dress, wandering on the snowy moors, and not remembering any of it? Does the peat harvested by Stephen to replace Arabelle symbolize anything?

Real Folks in JS&MN

2006-04-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

So I was looking at my fave thing in the world, Wilkipedia, and come across this list of real historical figures in the novel and thought since we were talking about it in class it'd be neat to look at. I think we left some off...

Latest "Harry Potter" protest

2006-04-16T14:40:00.000-07:00

A mom in Gwinnett County, Ga., wants all the "Harry Potter" books taken out of the school district's libraries because they contain "evil themes, witchcraft, demonic activity, murder, evil blood sacrifice, spells and teaching children all of this." She admits she hasn't read any of the books, because (she says) they're too long, and she doesn't have time.

You can read the local newspaper's story here. An accompanying editorial notes that this mom wants the "Potter" books replaced with the "Left Behind" series.

There have been countless such anti-"Potter" challenges, most of them repeating the arguments of the countless anti-"Wizard of Oz" challenges through the generations. Which work on our syllabus, I wonder, would this mom hate the most?

This seems good

2006-04-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

I found a site on the JonathanStrange.com forum from someone who seems to take it upon him/herself to answer (kindly) the questions readers have. I thought I'd link to The Friends of English Magic website so all of you can check out this fansite.

Harry Potter for adults?

2006-04-11T14:48:00.000-07:00

In the link that was posted for the Clarke interview she was asked how she felt about JS&MN being called an adult Harry Potter. I just thought that odd because earlier last week one of my friends picked it up, read the back and just laughed. When I asked what she was laughing at, she said "I never had you pegged to be the type to read an adult-Harry Potter". I've never read Harry Potter, but is this accurate at all? Clarke herself says no, but I was just wondering....

Removal of magic from England

2006-04-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

I would like to furthur discuss the possibility that magic may have been removed from England those 300 years ago. The small magical acts that Strange and Norrell perform are nothing compared to the union between English magicians and the trees, rocks, and water that Strange brings back to England. People expect the trees, rocks, and water to behave in a predictable manner, and a world where that was not true would be terrifying. What if the faeries were given the trees, rocks, and water to command to leave England those 300 years ago? We have all seen the commotion they cause, and surely they would love the power enough to agree. If this is not the case, how was the magic lost? The Raven King may have had to leave and vowed to return again leaving a small group of people from northern England that were devoted to him.

I wish it were real!

2006-04-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last class we discussed how JS& MN reads like a history of the world, and after that discussion, I realized that I really wished all that took place in the book were true. I am a sucker for historical fiction, I guess. I've been studying Spanish Civilization and while I was reading this novel I was also learning about the war against Napolean in Spain. So, all of the war bits were especially meaningful to me.

I read over the interview with Susanna Clarke that Andy linked us to, and she said she is working on a novel that takes place a few years later with the main characters being Childermass and Vinculus and a few of the other minor characters. I am very interested in finding out how her imaginary world compares to the history sans magic that we have studied. What will be the same? What will be different?

Raven King Website

2006-04-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

I found this very interesting website through google.
I think it would be beneficial to search for background on the book. If you click on the Daily Raven, it will link you a pdf that is a magical magazine which is really cool to read. I have skimmed it, but I think it is rather funny.

Fanlistings

2006-04-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

So, I was trying look up the significance of names as well. I googled "Childermass" and found that there are whole websites dedicated to him. Here is the site I found.
I think that I am going to try to find some more like these for other characters. They have compiled a list of quotes and their page numbers about the characters which will be useful considering searching through such a long book would take what feels like forever.
Thought you might find it helpful...

2006-04-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

This kind of goes along with the meanings of names and additional significance to the characters that started with the Vinculus thread. I was looking around for additional info and found this site. It outlines some interesting topics about Clarke as well as answers some interesting questions. You can find the historical/real-life inspirations for several of the characters also.

Happy Reading!

More on Lord Byron

2006-04-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the link to Byron's "Manfred," Katie. In this SF Site interview, Susanna Clarke talks about the serendipity of stumbling across "Manfred" while researching the period.

Some readers of Clarke's novel (mostly English majors) see the difference of opinion between Strange and Norrell as akin to the difference of opinion between the 19th-century Romantic writers and their 18th-century counterparts -- Byron vs. Pope, if you will.

Katie, have you read Lord Byron's Novel: The Evening Land by John Crowley?

Thanks, Everybody

2006-04-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

I've enjoyed reading all your comments, and you can see my response to the "Questions" for me in a comment added to that post.

Peter S.

Vinculus

2006-04-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

While reading an essay in Spanish, I came across an interesting word, "Vinculo" (except it has an accent on the i). Having no idea what it meant, and seeing the familiarity between the word and the name in the story, I looked it up. The word in Spanish means "link or bond." Very fitting.

Special Guest

2006-04-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Because our class seems to love JS&MN so much, I have decided to bring my friend George Gordon to class next week. He's really excited about visiting!

Manfred

2006-04-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

I particularly love Lord Byron's role in JS&MN and wanted to link everyone to the text.

www.litgothic.com says... "Byron undertook "Manfred," his most Gothic work, in late 1816, a few months after the famed ghost-story sessions which provided the initial impetus for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and John Polidori's The Vampyre, which some argue is based on Byron's fragment of a novel, his brief response to the challenge of the ghost-story sessions. Byron also heard Goethe's Faust about this time, and "Manfred" may also owe something to Matthew Lewis, author of The Monk, who visited Byron a month or two before "Manfred" was begun. The poem was completed in April of 1817 and published in June of that year. "

To read the poem, visit http://www.litgothic.com/Texts/manfred.html.

This is from Courtney

2006-04-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

The link to the poem of the Raven King and you can follow the link at the bottom to notes.

Is this really a novel?

2006-04-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys, but this really feels like a non-fiction narrative to me. I think that this speaks volumes to Susanna Clarke. She had to bring all these historical facts together and create situations where her characters could participate. She also had to keep the history of her characters true through the entire 846 pages. No wonder this book has been so critically acclaimed.

No wonder!

2006-04-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

It doesn't really surprise me that Clarke received so much acclaim for this book. While it runs a little long and dry at times, she really did her homework! Reading Courtney's comment about the Napoleonic Wars and battles abroad just reminded me how much she incorporated world history into her work. I mean, Andy told us how much time he put into writing mere short stories with accuracy! Can you imagine 850 pages of believable historical fiction?

Not sure if this is news or not!

2006-04-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let those of you know (in case you were unaware) that New Line Cinemas is currently adapting this novel into a screenplay. There's not much info out there at this point since it's still in the writing phase, but thought that some of the other JS&MN (sorry, I'm lazy) fans might like something to look forward to in a year or so!

The beast of a book

2006-04-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

Before I started reading the book I had heard several people say that it starts off slow and the first 100 pages or so are pretty boring. I did not find this to be the case as I was into it from the beginning and didnt feel it drag on until later in the book. I think this has to do with the fact that I took a liking to Mr. Norrell's character. I like Susanna Clark's subtle sarcasm and I found that the language itself was pretty easy to read. Although some of the footnotes were pretty funny, I found them to be a bit much. Overall I liked it a lot better than I thought I would, even though I think my hand is sore from holding that behemoth of a book open for so long.

The Footnote Fairy

2006-04-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, so anyone who has had Dr. Beidler out of the English Dept. has had to have heard the phrase "footnote fairy"--that wonderful fairy that comes along right when you think you can't go on from the confusion and *poof* there is an explanation. This book has an army of footnote fairies at work, and whereas I usually hate footnotes, explanation or no, I actually enjoyed these. I loved the footnote early in the book when it told the story of Drawlight throwing the cat out the window...too funny.

Okay, I think I'm rambling, but I just wanted to mention that. See, footnote fairy...book on magic? Coincedence? I think not...hehe.

The Land of Faery

2006-04-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

I am intrigued about the Land of Faery and exactly what sort of place or places that it is. How large do you think the other world is? Why do fairies know how to get between both places and most humans know nothing about the other land or how to reach it? It seems to be a mystical land that is filled with magic and happiness, but also is seems to be a dismal place where humans would not enjoy. It seems to be a land where the facade is of a perfect and fantastical which in reality is a horrible place to exist.

Lady Pole

2006-04-04T07:02:00.000-07:00

Was Lady Pole always unappreciative, or did we never get to know her because she was always sick? Did her time in Lost Hope warp her perception of things? I was very upset with that character when Stephen came to deliver her finger, and all she could do is rant and rave about how horrible men were. She even kept Arabella from talking to Jonathan at Lost Hope. She was not my favorite character.

Jonathan

2006-04-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

As for favorite parts, I love love love it when Frank kicks Drawlight into the canal! I feel sorry for the poor man (sort of), and he totally deserved it for being a weak minion.

I am enjoying the minor charatcers almost more than the main dudes themselves. I find the characterization of people like Frank, Stephen Black, and Sir Walter Pole funny and entertaining, almost more so than that of Strange and Norrel.

Favorite part so far

2006-04-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

My favorite part of the whole book thus far: When Frank kicks Drawlight into the canal!
What's your favorite part???

Just a thought

2006-04-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you have to already be somewhat mad to put a someone's dead mouse in your mouth?!?!
And by the way the further along I get the crazier Lascelles seems to get! I keep wishing the magicians would just get along so that they wouldn't have to bother with the people trying to exploit them and actually get something accomplished. Chilermass is growing on me, though. What do you think?

Silver Dragon

2006-03-30T16:34:00.000-08:00

I think that if the "Silver Dragon" was expanded into an entire book, I would so buy it. It kind of gives the feel of a whole novel in just a few pages. I think this is my favorite story of the entire semester. We got to know so much in so few pages. I think this should have been a whole novel not just a short story.

Spring Break

2006-03-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

I know we went around the room before SB and told of where we were going and what we were going to do...how bout what actually happened..any stanger things happening? or American god worshiped? how bout any Viae Ferae?

My trip to GA was pretty boring, relaxing though...I went to this huge peach orchar, to bring back some peach cider (THE best stuff!), then went to Hunstville and got a job offer there! nothing too out of ordinary, someone got to have better stuff than I.

Aickman's movie parallel

2006-03-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

Please tell me that someone has seen the movie Identity? SPOILER FOLLOWS (in case you plan to see the movie) Does this not strike you as something along those lines? You have several characters interrelated by a common thread, but you don't find out what that is until the end. Could these four all be the the same person like the serial killer in Identity?? You see, they are all interconnected by a collective conscience/memory... Naturally, the four are brought together to common location to discover why they have convened throughout the series of events that reveal a greater connection. I don't know, maybe I'm just making something out of nothing here. What do y'all think?

Questions for Peter Straub?

2006-03-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure the mysterious dead woman is Virginia Woolf. Bill says something about how he read everything by her and she appears wet and smelling of a river. I know that she drowned herself, so I am just operatating under the notion that this woman is her.

If it is, why would she leave a book "by" Traynor? Is she also the mysterious British woman that Traynor appears to be having a tryst with? How did he get so lucky?

Were all the men dead when they got to this special hospital wing?

What did Max see outside of the window? Was it Traynor?

How does this all tie in with the boy in the cabin? Is the boy Traynor?

Tonight's class canceled

2006-03-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

Alas, folks, I don't feel at all well this afternoon, so I'm going to cancel our class, rather than expose you all to the whatever-it-is. So we'll discuss tonight's stories online this week. Please post your thoughts on the Straub, Lynn and Lee stories, as some of you already have begun to do, and when we reconvene next week, we'll start our three-week discussion of Susanna Clarke's novel. Be thinking about your next paper topic, too; presentations are four weeks away. Hope everyone had a great spring break, and I'll see you soon.

Mr. Aickman's Air Rifle

2006-03-28T13:09:00.000-08:00

Along with what seems like the majority of the class, this one was my favorite of the three short stories for this week. It was easy to get into and I really enjoyed how the four men made fun of each other relentlessly. I'm curious to know who Traynor's companion really was. This story was nothing like I expected after reading "Lapland, or Film Noir". I guess that just shows Straub's versatility as a writer. This story was weird, but in a good way as it had me intrigued from the beginning.

Why?? Why??

2006-03-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Andy, oh why must you leave us??? And for Maryland??? Why? Oh the agony. But seriously, I want to find out what you're doing, and I don't want to make us waste any class time by discussing that for an hour, so I thought I'd give you a chance here.

In defence of Jonathan

2006-03-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

I have enjoyed reading this book entirely. I am at the beginning of the third section and things are really gearing up... I can't wait to find out who the gentleman with the thistle-down hair is and see if the Raven King makes and appearance!

Perhaps I like it so much becuase I am a ginormous Anglophile. I am wild about all things British, especially nineteenth century British history, so this book is my cup of tea and then some. I was laughing like an idiot on the plane and appreicate Clarkson's historical references and droll writing style. She is like a modern Jane Austen with her witty social commentary and characterizations.

Besides, Jonathan Strange is a hottie!

Mr. Aickaman's Air Rifle

2006-03-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

Mr. Aickman's Air Rifle was my favorite of the trio for this week. I thought it was interesting, hilarious, and definitely different than many of the other stories we've read this semester. Because the plot concerned potentially real men with real lives, I had an easier time getting into the story and believing it.

I loved the way the men all had the same scary expereince as children with the various guns and abandoned houses. I wonder if their bad relationships with their parents were reflected in these houses, which could represent their barren and lonely childhoods. And who is the mysterious woman that they all know and possibly had affairs with? Talk about a real thriller!

And can you believe Straub also wrote Lapland, or Film Noir??!!

Howl's Moving Castle

2006-03-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

I saw Howl's Moving Castle a couple of weeks ago and wanted to let you know my thoughts. I thought the animation was amqzing and even more complex and advanced that that of Spirited Away, but that the story of the former was better. If you liked Spirited Away, you will like Howl's, but I maintain that Chihiro's story is more interesting and heartwarming.

Speir-Bhan

2006-03-28T06:22:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I was not a fan of this story. I am not really sure why. I thought at the start of it that I would be into it. However, it quickly lost my attention. I had a hard time getting through this even though it was not that long. It just got really strange in a way that seemed pretty pointless and I still can't decide iF the narrator is a boy or a girl. Also, when s/he finally got rid of the fox/girl-things did that do it for good so that his/her family won't have to do it anymore?

Princess Mononoke

2006-03-27T23:27:00.000-08:00

Princess Mononoke was on TV one night over spring break. I forget what channel, but my brother was watching it. I got to see a large part of it. Although the animation was very similar, the story and characters were amazingly different than those in Spirited Away. Before the movies, I had a distinct impression that anime it was all similar. These movies have changed my mind. I even found myself defending anime when my mother made steryotipical comments about bad animation and bad plots. I enjoyed Spirited Away more than Princess Mononoke, but now I am glad I have seen both.

"The Silver Dragon"

2006-03-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this story because it reminds me of the fairy tales that I read as a child. The man goes and sacrifices himself to save his beloved. I thought it was interesting how the Silver Dragon could be part dragon and part human at the same time. Also, I loved the fact that Joanna strived to be efficient in riding, sword play, hunting, etc... She seemed like a fabulous person to be around cause she was well rounded and engergetic. She went after what she wanted and did not allow anyone to stop her. What are your thoughts on this story?

jonathan strange & mr. norrell

2006-03-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

i think that this book has destroyed my love of reading. i read it over my spring break and finished last night. i have never felt like i have wasted so much time on one book as much as i have wasted on this one. i don't think i can read anything else for a while...it would just make me angry because i could have been reading something better while wasting my time on this book. but that's just my opinion.

Q & A for Peter Straub and an Air Rifle

2006-03-16T16:16:00.000-08:00

Mr. Aikman's Air Rifle is a cool story. I liked the mini-chapters and the way it is set up time-wise. The details are vivid. I could easily picture this swanky hospital where only the favored few can stay and the "guests" really come alive. I also liked Bill and the revelation of how all the characters are related. But here is where my questions begin.

First, this story really made me think about how many connections people can have to one another, sometimes without even knowing it. This then made me think about the collective memory of humans which, I think, plays a large part in this story. They all think they share this common memory which turns out to be Chippie Traynor's fake memory in his book. So, what is this implying? Okay, next, is this story an afterlife story? Are they in hell? Purgatory? Is Chippie haunting them? Finally, when will you be doing a reading at the University of Alabama?

Thanks for answering our questions!

Picture of Felicia Felix-Mentor

2006-03-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture by Zora Neale Hurston. Here it is in the context of the website. Good Stuff!!
http://www.forteantimes.com/gallery/images/zombie.jpg
http://www.forteantimes.com/gallery/zombie.shtml
-Cody

As Promised...

2006-03-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to the Peter Straub recordings. If clicking doesn't work, here's the URL:
http://www.writing.upenn.edu/pennsound/x/Straub.html
Just copy and paste it into your browser.

Who wants another hit of Miyazaki?

2006-03-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I've bought the newest Miyazaki-san movie to come over the Pacific -- Howl's Moving Castle. Great movie according to my youngest brother, who is totally an anime-fanatic. He also informed me that Spirited Away will be on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. for anyone who wants to tape it. I've become addicted to Miyazaki! I need another hit soon!!! Somebody help me!!!

Tales from the City of Seams

2006-03-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

When I started on this post, no one had commented on this story, and I just wanted to say a little something. (Liz beat me to it though!) I found the story enthralling. I'm not really sure why. Each subset of the whole incorporated different styles, different techniques, different subjects, different narrators, a wholly different approach. None seemed to carry any significance to the next, but still kept you reading. And where else would you find the "zero room" which connects all parts of the city except the bathroom stall?!? Of course! I just thought this was well written and wanted to share my sentiments with you all.

Also, does anyone know to what the City of Seams refers? I googled it but only returned with a reference to Jerusalem. Does this have any significance, or is there another epithet of which I am not aware?

Tales from the city of seams

2006-03-14T13:56:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favorite stories so far. I have rarely read material that came across so vividly in my mind. I love the idea of taking a city and looking at it from so many different, unrelated aspects. I love hearing about what little thing is important in each section. The imagery is amazing. At first I was jealous that I could not actually see the balloon animals or taste the soup, but the descriptions were so amazing that I did. The mermaid story and the man at each cafe were both so intriguing. I think the author did a wonderful job combining these stories in an interesting manner.

Zora

2006-03-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

This story almost lost me at the begining because of the difficult language that I was unfamiliar with. I had to stop and look up words, and that broke up the flow for me. Having read the entire story though, the language picked is essential to forming the picture of Haitian life and culture. The story is extremley detail oriented, even down to Dr. Legros's conversation about politics. Once again, this story is given enough details to make it appear real. Even once we learn of the zombie, because of the detailed and realistic precedings, I found myself wondering if this could possibly be true. Andy- Why Zora? What connection do you feel to her? Have you met her? Has she ever really had an encouter similar to this? Have you? Have you ever been to Haiti? How much research did this story take? Is Freida turning the people into zombies? Is Freida representative of Erzulie?I feel that you have included wonderful comic relief, as with the literal interpretation of the road signs. I enjoyed your story- I was never bored, never left without a picture in my mind, and i never would have guessed the ending.

Curse of Isiaso

2006-03-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

It's stated that the holder of the chessboard can never lose when playing on the side of the demons, but can they ever really win at anything? I would just like to point out that the converse of "not losing" is "losing", and not "winning". Such actions intended for good (playing the saints side of the board) will always fail, and those involving the expense of another (playing the demons side) will never lose. This seems to be a classic tale of good and of evil with a moral to the story. While good may not always prevail, bad may not always win either. Even if it appears that evil will reign victorious, there are downfalls, consequences, curses.

However, I wonder if Bobby Lennin is cleared of the curse at the end. Assuming that the group of "rough-looking characters" would still work as a group, they probably would've come back together. BUT, the narrator says "I heard a gunshot" and closes. I wish we had more! If there was only one shot, did he have a knife, sword, or bludgeon that could draw blood? Blood must be spilled from all perpetrators in order for the curse to be lifted, yet there was only one shot. Did he just give in to an eternity of pain and torture? Did the aforementioned characters shoot him before he could enact his defense and damn him to a hellish existence? Does he ever make it back to the boat, or does he paddle back to the island?

Certain Events in London

2006-03-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

At first, I was completely and totally lost. Now that I understand what the VF are though, I am in love with this story. I love the idea of the fantastical co-existing with our everyday lives. This could be an episode of the X-Files, one of the better ones. I am still in awe of how brilliant this story is. What happened to Edgar? Did he get trapped in the street as it disappeared? Why was Charles so mad at Edgar, and why didn't he share his information with the BWVF?

Lapland, or Film Noir

2006-03-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed Lapland. Like Barbara, it reminded me a lot of Sin City and my TCF 112 class I took last semester where we studied this genre of film. Being from Florida, I want to ask Peter Straub why he chose to put Lapland in Florida? Is there any significance to this? Also, I was wondering about the lapses of the narrator's memory. While writing the story, did you actually have an entire memory thought out and then cover some parts up or did you just make up random phrases after each stretch of dots?

Erzulie

2006-03-14T11:42:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed the concept of a goddess within the culture who is so beautiful and seductive that she can bewitch any man. From a non-believer's point of view this is really interesting. Men are known to be generally the less loyal sex. Why not create a goddess that allows for this? In this way, men can have an affair outside of marriage, women can blame it on Erzulie and then men can come back to their wives. This eliminates the need to place blame on the husband and also the wife's need to know more about the mistress. She can just believe that it was Erzulie. I think this would also cushion the blow to the self-esteem a woman would feel if her husband cheated on her. After all, no man can resist Erzulie, no matter how beautiful/sexy/perfect his wife is.

Also I have a question for the author: When Felicia spells out her message, "Mi haut, mi bas" does she intend for it to help Zora out later with the Sect Rouge later or does this insinuate a connection between the Sect Rouge and Felicia's zombie state? Also, how is it that Zora is able to pass by the Sect Rouge without giving the password?

Wonderwall

2006-03-14T10:43:00.000-08:00

When I started reading this story, I thought that it would be about people with whom I could relate... college students, etc. However, shortly into the story I realized that this was way beyond anything I could imagine going through in my own life. I felt sad as I read the story and then was shocked when I went back to the intro to realize that this was her real life! Do you think that the quote about the poet struggling to be a "seer" is what was happening to her during that period of her life. "All forms of love, of suffering, of madness; [s]he seeks them within [her]self." It almost seems that throughout this self-destructive time, she was trying to see how low she could fall, how much she could suffer, and how disoriented she could make her senses. I really thought after the gunshots that they would go somewhere and kind of wake up from their disillusioned lives. However, they instead chugged cough syrup! I just hope her life is happier now. I don't know how anyone could live that way for very long.

"Je suis damne par l'arc-en-ciel"

2006-03-13T19:14:00.000-08:00

The French phrase at the beginning of "Wonderwall" by Elizabeth Hand means "I am damned by the rainbow". I am unsure as to specifically why the narrator chose to write this phrase on her dorm room wall. My only thoughts would be because she is an unhappy person with a lot of problems and that because normal people enjoy seeing rainbows and sunny days that she does not because she enjoys the night. The narrator is continually high on all sorts of drugs that effect her life. She is unable to be productive which causes her continual unhappiness. There are not many aspects of the story that could be considered fantasy, which makes the story seem real. I felt extremely emotionally attached to the narrator, and I wanted her to succeed in life. For awhile, I thought she was going to overdose on the numerous drugs she was taking.

Why do you think she (the narrator) continues to behave in a self-destructive manner. Also, what do you believe are the elements that make this story fantasy? What is her relationship with David, and on the subconsious level, what are her feelings for him? Do you think she has a happy ending in her life?

A Night in The Tropics

2006-03-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

I agree with Clayton. This was a really good story. I like the fact that the mural was connected to the Chess set. I really hope that Bobby got to get rid of the set. The weirdest part to me was when the blind guy started to attack Bobby's group when they were trying to rob him. But I was wondering if Bobby had the set, why did his friends all become affected by the set? I guess it would be because they all had a hand in stealing the set. It really does feel like something you would see on Unsolved Mysteries.

A Q for Jeffry Ford - Tropics

2006-03-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

First I did enjoy the story! I have a poster of a similar scene, as found in the bar (no people in it though), hanging on my wall. It gives me calm to look at it. I thought it interesting that it being included in the year's best fantasy and horror that it didn't have more fantastical elements in it. Mostly just the chess peices, really. To me that story is actually believable, like something you'd see on "Unsolved Mysteries," in it's wierder days, or a similar TV program.

To the question: I was wondering if any events were inspired by real life. The bar and the story of the boy going with his father every week seems so believable, I was wondering if you pulled everything out of the sky, or if maybe there were parts that were autobiographical.

Lapland, or Film Noir

2006-03-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

This story is a review for a movie of the film noir genre. It becomes fantasy when the film critic becomes a part of Lapland in the end. My initial reaction to the story was that it seemed a lot like Sin City, the movie that came out in 2005.

I think that as the film critic becomes a part of Lapland, he loses reality. He slowly becomes one of the psychopaths in the story which are prone to "blackouts and spells of amnesia." This has caused parts of his review to fade away. Why are his memories starting to fade around deaths?

I am so confused!

2006-03-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

I want to know why Wonderwall is a fantasy story. Unless you count rabid hallucinations of gay men grinding on a dance floor to a wack techno beat and then morphing into flames as fantasy, then this story did not really have any fantasy elements. The narrator is a loser druggie who hallucinates/dreams about fire. Perhaps this symbolizes somthing, but what?

Also, what does the title mean? And what was David doing in the men's room at the gay club that she wasn't supposed to see? And what are Black Boogers (or whatever they're called)?

Zora and the Zombie

2006-03-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

First of all, whoever wrote this story is totally crazy... Just kidding! I had no idea Zora and the Zombie was about Zora Neal Hurston and her interest in Haitian zombies, so I was completely surprised that the story was grounded in biographical reality. The title isn't just alliterative to be cute!

I would like us to discuss the issue of real historical figures in fantasy literature. Is Zora's character more accessible because the reader knows she is a real person, and so can visualize her experience in the story as one in real life? What fantasy elements prevent us from really believing these things happened to Zora? Do they undermine our belief in Zora's existence and the facts of the story?

Howl's Moving Castle!

2006-03-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

Howl's Moving Castle is showing tonight at the AIME Building (McCorvery Drive) in room 110 at 7:30 p.m. I'll be there!!

Spirited Away

2006-03-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

We watched the part of Spririted Away about the stink/river god tonight. After Sen pulls out all the garbage that was inside the river god, she becomes enveloped in a bubble of water. When the river god talks to her, does everyone hear what he says, or is he just talking to her? He just tells her that she did a good job, but I don't know if the rest of the gods and workers heard the compliment. Does this acknowledgement play a large part in her maturity in the story, or is her maturity just a factor of the labor? I cannot recall specific actions she takes before and afterward that would show the maturity. Let me know what you think!

Paper

2006-03-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

Are y'all bringing copies of your paper or emailing them to Mr. Duncan?

Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke - which is better?

2006-03-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, I must admit, it's been about four years since I saw Princess Mononoke, so I'm going to have to do some homework before I can completely comment on this. However, these are the two anime films that stick out in my mind as having made the transition from Japan to the States. Does anyone who has seen both of these have any comments? Discuss. Or else I'll make you talk about how the Holy Roman Empire is neither Holy nor Roman (10 points for whoever gets that joke).

Spirted Away

2006-03-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed Spirted Away. I was really impressed with how well they dubbed it, as the english words were perfectly insync with the characters' mouth movements. I also enjoyed watching Chihero develop from a whiney little brat to the sort of heroine she becomes.

Spirited Away

2006-03-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

So I put this movie off as long as I could as I was not looking forward to it. If it's not Disney then animation and I don't really get along, I mean, I even hate cartoons.
So I sat down last night and watched it. I have to admit, I enjoyed it. The charcters were awesome, I loved No Face and the parents got on my nerves, as pigs and otherwise. It was a little long for me and I found at times my attention wandered elsewhere, but all in all, it was a fun movie.

2006-03-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

To me the parents of Chihero didn't really look Japanese, neither did the witch or some of the other characters. The parents to me had a sort of American appearance to me. I don't know if this is because I'm looking with American eyes, or if they were intended to look this way to everyone. I thought this could possibly be a commentary on Americans and their greed and gluttony. Any thoughts?

shoe and marriage question

2006-03-07T05:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I should call the man in the Cinderella story a prince. It never says that he isn't but it never says that he is either. I know he must be some kind of celebrity because he sees his wife in the pictures on the girl's wall. Anyone have any suggestions for what i should call him?