It was also mentioned when Cynthia was to come live with the Gibsons, about how Molly will like having someone her own age. You probably think of Molly as younger, because she acts, and is treated younger. Cynthia has traveled, been educated in London, and has experienced much more manipulating, calculating ways in life through the poor example of her mother.
Gakell had me actually liking Cynthia a little bit, before she revealed Cynthia's secret, the reason for promising to marry Preston, the continued "love" letters, and the way she allowed Molly to get involved, to the point of using her to deliver not only the message she will not marry Preston, but also to give Preston the money, to make her free of her debt, and promise to him. She was deceitful to Molly and Preston, setting up the meeting, letting Preston think she would in fact be there to meet with him, and she let Molly believe she told Preston to expect Molly to be the one to meet with him. This was surly setting the two of them off balance, and feeling used.
Cynthia does not strike me as carefree, lighthearted or fun-loving. She goes to parties and balls for the purpose of being doted on, and being center of attention. She makes a point to dance with as many men as possible. She comes over to me as a tease, which is what Mr. Gibson warned her he may think of her, if she continues to act the way she is. Cynthia wants everyone to like her and never disapprove of her actions, yet she does nothing to change her actions to prevent others from being disappointed in her. Gaskell has made her like a prism, you see all these beautiful colors, yet they are ever changing with the light. As beautiful as prisms are, they are also an illusion, which is how I see Cynthia.
I don't meant to be unkind with my feelings for Cynthia, it's just Gaskell has truly left me personally no choice, but to not like this character. She has taken the ones who love her, care for her and befriended her, and used them with no regard for their feelings, and her solution if they find disappointment in her is to run away and never see them again. Some have mentioned the psychological thinking of Cynthia, her solution is what Dr. Phil calls the human reaction of the 3 F's in life....Fear, Flee and Flight. Dr. Phil also says, "You can't change, what you can't acknowledge." Cynthia acknowledges her faults, yet refuses to even try to change. She really could care less about others, it is all about her feelings, and her looking good in everyone's eyes. Yes, we all may have a little of that in us, but our human nature also teaches us we can't possibly have it our way all the time, and have happiness.
Sorry for the rant. As I said, these chapters have really troubled me. If Gaskell in these chapters, was making one more attempt to put Cynthia in an unfavorable light with the readers, she succeeded where I am concerned.
Marcie,
It rises above what could have been "soap opera."
I'm not sure I can see it rising above a soap opera. I see writers for soaps as talented as Gaskell and vice versa. Writers of stories whether it be for TV, Magazines, Newspapers, Books, or any other format, I feel are worthy of their works, to be respected for their talents. One, does not in my opinion rise above the other. Gaskell wrote in segments, just like soaps are given in segments, and we are reading this story in segments, is what my reference was to. NOT the caliber or quality of the material. This is as complex a story as any soap I have ever seen, and as frustrating.
JoanP., We were writing at the same time. I agree with you! Cynthia needs to take responsibility and stop blaming her mother.
Ciao for now~
