I am proceeding to Chapter 5 today and definitely would not describe reading Middlemarch as a pleasant experience. Being clearly aware that George Eliot was trying to record the life of that period as it was, this authenticility pains me.
At the beginning of CH.5 Mr.Casaubon offers his hand to Dodo(what a tedious and boring letter he writes)and at the end of this chapter, Dodo accepts the offer by " throwing her self at Mr.Casubon's feet and kissing his unfashionable shoe-ties" . What a girl！In today's context we may say Dodo is far beyond Mr.Casaubon's league, as Cecia has always recognized and suggested. Yet Dodo seems blind to her own charm, merely focusing on her "ignorance" and the possiblity invovling in Mr.Casaubon's transcendent work.
Actually, I have noticed that "ignorance" is the most used discription by Dodo to herself. I, from the third perspective, do not see this weakness in knowledge or intelligence, on the contrary. She is humble, witty,has a religious passion, and tries to improve the poor's housing condition. I would say, like the other people in the town, she lacks common sense. Her "ignorance" is an oblivision to normal life rules.
But still I find this self appraise a bit unnatrual and bizzare. It could not entirely come from her own judgement. For me, I think her uncle, who although loves her much and wishes her a good marriage yet carelessly throws a comment on her knowledge and learning now and then,plays a part in it.
When Mr.Casaubon suggested that her uncle could use Dodo's help with his documents in CH.2, her uncle's reply is " I cannot let young ladies meddle with my documents. Young ladies are too flighty." In his eyes, his niece is just one of these flighty girls with no caution or capability.
And in CH.5, when he shows the reluctance of accepting the coming marriage, he says " the love of knowledge...that sort of thing doesn't often run in the female line."
Imagine the most respected authority figure in your life always trods on your dignity and talent without thinking how his words can affect your opinion of yourself. Then how can you see yourself as sufficient,capable and independent?
I just feel so sorry for Dodo.
About the title: We don't say 'review on [something]'. Some suggestions
A Review of Middlemarch Chapter 5
Middlemarch Chapter 5, a Review
I enjoyed reading your review. If you think that Middlemarch can be unpleasant, you won't be changing your mind soon. But you may be pleased by the end.
@schmamie Thanks so much for your patience and time. I've learned a lot from your comments. 😊
@Bennatan Thanks, now I am looking forward to getting to the end sooner.(Although I can expect it wouldn't be too short a time with all these names,background information and long sentences.😂)