North and South Read Along Final Discussion Answers

I posted questions the other day for the final section of our North and South read along.. .and promptly forgot that I was meant to actually answer the questions too! Yeah. It's been that kind of week!

So, here are my quick thoughts on those questions.


1.  There's much talk about all the deaths in this book. What are your feelings on that? Do you think they were necessary? Or too much?

They didn't bother me that much I suppose. I mean, it did seem hard and fast and crazy, but there was more time between them than it felt like to us the readers I think. I do think that some of the deaths were easy plot devices. But it worked for me for the most part.

2. Was there anything that happened during this last part that you found surprising or unexpected? Or was everything very predictable?

I can't remember what I felt like the first time I read this. Probably Mr. Bell's death. And Henry trying the wooing thing again. This time through I was just surprised at the differences between book and movie that I'd forgotten.

3. What are your feelings on the about face Margaret and Mr. Thornton have with regard to their financial status?


I thought it must have been hard for Mr. Thornton to have this happen. And very surprising for Margaret, especially after thinking just a short time before that it was all to be looked down on. I find the whole switcheroo fascinating.

4. Do you think Margaret is justified in being so anguished over the lie that she told? Does it mostly have to do with her feelings for Mr. Thornton? Or something else?

I think this may have been the first time she found herself in such a position and it felt so off and wrong to her. But I think she would have gotten over it fairly quickly if not for Mr. Thornton knowing all about it. That killed her and drove her crazy! If only she felt like she could go to him and explain things. If only.

5. At what moment exactly do you think her feelings for Mr. Thornton completely changed?

I think she totally realized where she stood when she was back in London and her relations were now saying the things that she had said the year (or two) before. And she wanted to defend him! And it hits her then how much she misses him and wants to be back where he's at. I think it was a slow growing thing, but it really hit her then.

6. Discuss the character of Nicholas Higgins. What do you think about the relationship he has with Mr. Thornton? Did he change Mr. Thornton? Did Mr. Thornton change him?

I love him so much! And to see the friendship develop between him and Mr. Thornton warms my heart. I love watching them come to an understanding with each other, and respect. I love that especially... the respect. 

7. How does Mr. Thornton's views on the master/worker relationship change? Or. . .did it change? Did your view on this issue change as you experienced this book?


I think he comes to understand that they are people too and important and needed. Not that he didn't really think that before, but it became so much more real and obvious after all that striking business and then getting to know Mr. Higgins and seeing the plight of the Boucher family. 

8. Do you have a favorite quote from this book? If so, share and let us know why it's your favorite.

“He is my first olive: let me make a face while I swallow it.” 

I just thought this was a perfect way to describe the feeling of getting used to the idea of something. It's not a profound quote, and I enjoyed many profound quotes found in this book, but it was fun one that made me smile. 


9. The ending! Are you happy with how things turned out? (Try not to compare with the movie here... that's for a later question!)

I was shocked, shocked I tell you, to read the ending and realize that was it! I did not remember this, even though I've read it before. I expected it to be more like the movie. The two things have totally meshed in my brain. That being said, I do find the situation still very romantic, with her shuffling through the papers and talking and talking and talking and him just saying... "Margaret.... Margaret... Margaret" until she stops, puts her face in her hands and leans on his shoulder and saying, "I'm unworthy!"  I still love that! 

10. What aspect of this book would you like to address that we haven't yet talked about? Is there something we've skipped over in our discussions that makes you want to say... "Yeah, but what about....?"  And if you've got nothing there, answer this: Did you like the book? Why or why not?

I love the book and will continue to love it, despite the fact that the movie has overshadowed it in beloved-ness. 

BONUS MOVIE QUESTION:

If you've already seen the movie, go ahead... now is your chance to compare the two! If you have yet to see the movie, skip everyone's comments on this part. After we watch the movie on Friday, you can write a post just about this. Because my guess is, you'll probably have some thoughts!

I love the movie for the swoony looks Richard Armitage masters, for the emotion contained on his face. I love the book for the fact that we can get in his head and know what he's thinking during those brooding looks. I love the movie for the changes and additions that make everything so much more romantic. I love the book for the thoughtful statement it makes on the life and times of the people during this period. I love the movie for the ending. I love the book for the story itself!

Sigh. What fun we've had. I think we must do it again! 

North and South Read Along: Final Discussion

I can't believe we've come to the end of this read along! It's been a blast, has it not? Thanks to everyone who has participated and discussed and shared feelings and had fun with us! You've been awesome. :)

We have two more events before it's over. The Twitter chat will be tomorrow, Sunday, at 6:00 pm Mountain time. We've realized this past week that it will fall right in the middle of the Super Bowl. We're hoping that most of you won't mind. And that if you are a football fan, you can maybe do both! Chat while watching! So, we'll go ahead with this time and hopefully you can all join us. Follow #NorthSouthRAL. Be sure to check that out even when we aren't tweeting... we've had some pretty fun impromptu in between chat discussions too!

Then, on Friday, Feb. 6 also at 6:00 pm Mountain time, we'll be watching the movie. . .the BBC mini series. Join us on Twitter! (We'll let you know when we actually push the play button so we can all be synced up.) The movie is available on Netflix. It's four episodes, each 50 minutes long.

And now, how did you like the conclusion of this book? Here are few questions I've thought up to ask you all:

North and South Final Discussion Questions


1.  There's much talk about all the deaths in this book. What are your feelings on that? Do you think they were necessary? Or too much?

2. Was there anything that happened during this last part that you found surprising or unexpected? Or was everything very predictable?

3. What are your feelings on the about face Margaret and Mr. Thornton have with regard to their financial status?

4. Do you think Margaret is justified in being so anguished over the lie that she told? Does it mostly have to do with her feelings for Mr. Thornton? Or something else?

5. At what moment exactly do you think her feelings for Mr. Thornton completely changed?

6. Discuss the character of Nicholas Higgins. What do you think about the relationship he has with Mr. Thornton? Did he change Mr. Thornton? Did Mr. Thornton change him?

7. How does Mr. Thornton's views on the master/worker relationship change? Or. . .did it change? Did your view on this issue change as you experienced this book?

8. Do you have a favorite quote from this book? If so, share and let us know why it's your favorite.

9. The ending! Are you happy with how things turned out? (Try not to compare with the movie here... that's for a later question!)

10. What aspect of this book would you like to address that we haven't yet talked about? Is there something we've skipped over in our discussions that makes you want to say... "Yeah, but what about....?"  And if you've got nothing there, answer this: Did you like the book? Why or why not?

BONUS MOVIE QUESTION:

If you've already seen the movie, go ahead... now is your chance to compare the two! If you have yet to see the movie, skip everyone's comments on this part. After we watch the movie on Friday, you can write a post just about this. Because my guess is, you'll probably have some thoughts!



If you plan to write a post with answers to these questions. Or a post that compares the book to the movie. OR a post simply with your final review of this book... link it up here so we can all be sure to come visit you!





Thanks again for playing along! I'm sure we'll do it again soon. :)

North and South Read Along Part Two Discussion: Chapter 19 to 35

We've now read through chapter 35 of North and South! Are you loving it? Isn't it most awesome? Well, I think so anyway.

The discussion is being hosted by Kami today. If you want to answer her questions and post them on your blog be sure to link up over at her blog!

Also, don't forget, we'll be chatting tonight at 6 pm Mountain time TONIGHT (that's a date change so take note!) on Twitter using #NorthSouthRAL.  We had WAY too much fun last time, so you know you want to join us! (P.S. Have you been following that hashtag anyway? Lots of fun quotes and thoughts being shared all throughout the read along.) 

And then, we'll see you you here on my blog at the end of the month with our final discussion post.

Questions and Answers:

1. Have your feelings changed towards Mr. Thornton during this section of the book?

I think at first, we feel a bit indifferent towards him. We see him a lot through Margaret's eyes and like her, we aren't too sure what he's about. But I feel like in this section he totally shines. Bringing fruit for her mom, and then saving her from the inquisition...even AFTER she's totally rejected him? I mean, he, despite his gruff outward demeanor, is a complete sweetheart.

Delivering fruit. Wearing that hat!

2. Have your feelings towards Margaret changed?

She makes me a bit crazy in this section because she can't see the sweetheart-ness mentioned above. She is so determined to stick with her silly prejudices! But toward the end of this reading, I can feel that her ideas are starting to change. Otherwise, I'd be very bugged at her indeed. However, I do feel bad about all the death she is suddenly having to deal with. I guess she's not really thinking about love when she has to handle all that other stuff.

3. What do you think about the riot and how Margaret and Mr. Thornton reacted?

Margaret was pretty brave, I must admit. And a bit crazy. And so much acting without thinking. I love how Mr. Thornton doesn't think much of it at the time (except that she's lost her mind) but then relives the moment over and over and over again. I think he feels bad that he wasn't quite as brave as she was. She showed him up! Anyway. It's an awesome scene and such a turning point for all different parts of the plot.


4. Do you think Boucher's anger and actions were justified?

Boucher's plight is insane. I have no idea what I'd do were I in his shoes. Do you? I think he is overly emotional, but somewhat justified. He is in a panic about how to take care of his family, so you can't fault him that. But it does seem like there are better ways to handle the situation.

5. Did Bess's or Mrs. Hale's deaths effect you in any way?

Bess's is so sad. She had her whole life ahead of her. And I think her sickness was caused by working in the mills, right? Which makes it especially hard to take. Mrs. Hale's is sad too, but I think she is dying of some sort of natural cause (I wish they'd just say what it is!) and she at least has lived a bit of life, so I'm not as sad over hers. Though she is still way to young to die and it's hard to see the trauma it causes the family. The boys are especially frail during this time, which is interesting to me. You'd think that Elizabeth Gaskell would think of boys as all strong and unemotional or something. I always find it surprising anyway.

6. Were you surprised to learn that it wasn't common for women to attend funerals? What are your feelings on that tidbit?

Strange! And I wonder why? Just because they can't handle their emotions? And yet, as I said in the question before, it seems more like the boys are the ones out of control! I wonder when this custom changed over the years. Really interesting anyway. 

7. Now that we've met Frederick, do you like him? Are you sympathetic to his predicament?

I do like him. But I wish we could get to know him better. He does seem a bit, wimpy, shall we say. And doesn't really help Margaret all that much. But still, he's scared to be found out, so that makes things really hard. And I'm sure he's been through quite the trauma in his life. So I'll give him a little bit of a pass. I just love how his story interacts with Margaret's to the point of causing all sorts of misunderstanding.


8. What are your feelings on Mr. Thornton's proposal?

Dear Mr. Thornton: You were a little hasty dude! If you'd just waited a bit! I mean, why the rush? If you'd have just gone about doing all those nice things and let her SEE that, then she's going to FALL SO HARD and you're home free! Patience my man, patience. But no, you had to run off the minute you get a little, sort of accidental hug, and BAM, off to marry her! Yeah... you should have waited a bit, I'm sorry to say. Still, it made for a nice awkward moment for you to endure that we all enjoy reading about!


9. If you were in Mr. Thornton's place, having seen the person you love with a stranger late at night, then finding out that person was questioned by the police and lied, would you do the same thing Mr. Thornton did? Would you protect that person even though you think they have done questionable things?

I don't know! I'm hoping the doesn't really think those things about her and is giving her the benefit of the doubt. But seriously, he just loves her so much that he doesn't care. He just doesn't want to see her go through all that and he'll do anything to stop it. I love him for it. But I so wish that she would just go to him and say, "Hey, I know you did this thing, and you are thinking this thing, but here's what really happened, just so you know." But maybe she doesn't trust him enough about the whole Frederick thing yet. But still... just tell him!


10. Do you think Margaret's feelings towards Mr. Thornton have changed? Why?

Oh yes. For sure. It's starting to hit her. She realizes that he's for real and genuine and that even though she made him feel like crap, he still loves her despite that and she's blown away by it really. I love seeing this change. 

Ah! All you first timers, I hope you are loving it! Sigh. 

On to the end of the book! I can't wait for our movie night. Do join us, either in person or on Twitter. February 6 at 6 pm Mountain!

North and South Read Along Part 1: Chap. 1 to 18

I've been having a blast re-reading this book with you all! So many things are standing out to me this go around. I've tweeted a few things (#NorthSouthRAL if you want to see) and have looked forward to this first discussion. If you are playing along with us, be sure to join us for a Twitter chat tonight at 6 pm Mountain.

But for now here are my answers to some discussion questions which you can find over at Jenni's blog. If you'd like to post your answers too, be sure to link up over at her blog so we can find you and come visit!


1. Is this your first time reading this? If so, what do you think so far? If not, are you liking this reread so far?

This is my third time reading the book, I think. The first time I was trying hard to just understand what was going on (this was way before the movie existed even!) and the second time through I mostly skimmed it for book club. This time, I'm really savoring everything. I love it!


2. Have you seen the BBC mini-series? Is the book anything like you expected it to be?

I will love to see other people's answer to this question. I watched the movie long after I read the book and all I know is that it made me appreciate the book a ton more.

3. Why do you think Margaret refused Henry? He seems like such a nice chap.

He seems nice, but maybe a bit on the boring side. But at this point, we aren't really sure what Margaret is looking for. Maybe boring suits her? But I guess not. I guess she is one of those that knows what she wants when she sees it and Henry is not it. I've always felt a little sorry for him. 

4. What are your first impressions of Mr. Thornton?

Going on what I've read so far, one might think he's a bit scary. A bit gruff maybe, a bit intimidating. If you aren't in his head, like we so wonderfully get to be while reading the book, you might think he only enjoys coming to discuss books with Mr. Hale and not much else about this new family. But at the same time, not knowing anything else about him at this point, I would find him intriguing too.

5. Why is Margaret so indifferent to Mr. Thornton, but she can make friends with the Higgins? They are both northern people and have different customs.

I think she either relates to the plight of the poor workers, or feels sorry for them and some sense of responsibility.  Whereas Mr. Thornton, being the owner of the mill, has no need for someone to feel sorry for him. And Margaret can't relate to his position at all, like she can with the Higgins'. 

6. Compare the two moms we've seen in the story.

I've always found Mrs. Hale a bit on the wimpy side. And very whiny. Mrs. Thornton seems, on the other hand, powerful and strong. Though she has her  moments of whiny-ness too. She is however, awfully judgmental. But then again, so is Mrs. Hale!  Anyway,  I love what she (Mrs. Thornton) feels about her son, I too feel all those motherly instincts about my boys. So, I get where she's coming from. Then again, I suppose Mrs. Hale feels that for her son Frederick too. Anyway, I just find the difference in the two quite interesting.

7. What differences are you seeing so far between the north and the south?

The difference is what we call nowadays blue collar and white collar, wouldn't you say? The north is hard working, the south is laid back. The north is cities and factories and noise, the south is villages and churches and quiet. At least that would be a general sum up of the difference! 

8. Do you think Mr. Hale was justified in leaving the church and his position?

I understand his grief about not being one with what he's expected to believe, but to uproot his family because of it? What  hard thing. I mean he REALLY must feel pretty strongly about whatever point he has a quibble with. 

9. What are your feelings on Frederick’s situation?

Not a good situation! It sounds like a terrible thing that happened to him. I feel bad for everyone. Poor Frederick.

10. What are your thoughts on the master and worker relationship?

I just read the chapter (15 I think it is) where they discuss this in length and the thing that strikes me (ha! strikes!) is they neither one of them can get along with out the other. They NEED each other! And its so frustrating then, why they have to have such a volatile relationship. I wish they could all get along. 

And there you have it! What I'm thinking so far! I hope some of you can join the Twitter chat tonight. I look forward to discussing things further. 

Our next set of chapters will be 19 to 35 and discussion questions will be hosted at Kami's on January 20. Enjoy!

North and South Read Along Begins Now!

Today we are kicking off our North and South read along! So excited! We'd love for more of you to join us. The book is free online, if that helps. Here's a reminder of our schedule, with discussions and Twitter chats at the end of each section. (Note that there has been a slight change in the chapter groupings due to an awesome mistake on my part!)


**January 1 to 10: Chapter 1 to 18
Twitter chat Jan. 10 at 6:00 p.m. Mountain
(Discussion hosted by Jenni Elyse.)

**January 11 to 20: Chapter 19 to 35
Twitter chat Jan. 20 at 6:00 p.m. Mountain
(Discussion hosted by Kami's Library Thoughts.)

**January 21 to 31: Chapter 36 to end 
Twitter chat Feb. 1 at 6:00 p.m. Mountain
(Discussion hosted by It's All About Books.)

** Movie watching on Friday Feb. 6 at 6:00 p.m. Mountain, join us live and in person if you are in the area, or on Twitter using #NorthSouthRAL! 

Also, I hope to live tweet as I read, some of the things that stand out to me using the same hashtag.... #NorthSouthRAL. Such a fun endeavor!

If you are interested in joining us and you haven't signed up yet, click on over to our sign up page and post your link.  Then on to happy North and South reading!