| Sweet Dreams! By Sharon Holtz Chapter Thirty-Five |
As the others dissipated through the Dining Hall, Jacob and Mary continued to
stand at the threshold, welcoming the rest of the community.
It was just about time to sit down, when Peter came dashing in, noting, "Oh
good, I didn't miss dinner! I am starving!"
Jacob welcomed his friend, whom he loved to spar with, by saying, "Your
timing is impeccable Peter...at least when a chance for a good meal is at risk!"
Thinking Jacob's comment bordered on rudeness, Mary tried to balance his
greeting with a more polite one. So pleasantly, she said, "You are right on time
Peter."
Wanting to tweak Jacob back, Peter put on an extra gallant air as he replied,
"Well thank you Mary. Being here with those who care about me, and the
promise of a good meal, made the treacherous drive through rush hour traffic,
more than worth it!"
Scolding a bit, Mary said, "Well now Peter, you daresn't risk your safety
worrying about being on time. You know William will always make you a plate!"
To which Peter put his arm around Jacob and said, "I know, but I didn't want to
miss eating with my ole' pal here."
With humor, Jacob denounced under his breath, "Do you think I am buying
that? What a crock full of poppycock!"
Getting a kick out of Jacob's demeanor, Peter asked, "Is that what William is
serving for supper?"
To which Jacob jokingly said, "There's a crock full of something around here,
but tisn't
William who is serving it!"
It was then William made the announcement supper was ready, putting an end
to the two doctors sparring match!
After everyone settled in and Jacob said his prayer of thanks, they enjoyed the
delicious Chicken pot pies, with Mashed Potato Casserole, and some Bread
Pudding with Orange Sauce for dessert.
Conversation in the Dining Hall was lively, as there was much to be excited
about.
Over at Vincent and Catherine's table, Rebecca privately asked Catherine if she
may have a peek at her dress later on, to which Catherine replied, "I wish I
could show you, but I left it at Jenny's. She invited me to spend the night before
the wedding, and get ready there."
Realizing she had not yet informed Vincent of her plans, she told Rebecca,
"Ooops I haven't told this to Vincent yet, maybe I better."
And so she turned to him and excitedly laid out the plans.
Seriously Vincent tipped his head in a contemplative manner, and said, "I see."
Thinking he seemed disappointed, she asked, "Is that all right Vincent?"
Nodding, and looking at her, he sweetly said, "Of course it is, in fact that sounds
perfect. I was merely envisioning you back in your old home...and then my
thoughts swayed, to the enchanting times in which I visited you there."
Enticingly she suggested, "Well, maybe you could visit me."
Liking the idea very much, Vincent turned only his eyes to look at her, and said,
"Yes...perhaps so."
Just then William came out of the kitchen with Elizabeth's tray, and asked for a
volunteer to take it to her. Stepping up, Vincent offered, and with him went
Catherine, thinking it would be nice to have a little time alone with Vincent.
Turning to Jennifer, she told her she would be back after their trek to the
Painted tunnels. To which Jennifer said, "I sure admire your energy Cath, after
all the walking we did today, I don't think I care to budge from this spot, at least
not until Mary's class."
Jennifer then told Ronald, and the others sitting near by, of how they went to
every bridal store they could think of, before finally finding their dresses at the
last shoppe on the list.
Everyone laughed saying that's the way it usually goes, when Pascal, Kanin and
Mouse came up to Ronald, asking, "You still gonna help us move the tables, or
now you can't cuz Jennifer is here?"
Sensing Ronald's dilemma, of not wanting to leave her alone, she encouragingly
said, "Don't let me change any plans you had! Go on ahead Ronny."
Mouse appreciating Jennifer for speaking up, he told her, "Won't take long! Be
right back."
With a thankful squeeze to her hand, Ronald stood up to follow the guys,
teasingly saying, "Famous last words."
As they walked away, Jamie quizzically asked Jennifer about the more
traditional wedding customs in the world above.
To which Jennifer readily informed Jamie, and the others that were listening in,
it was sometimes customary for friends of the Bride and Groom, to have a
Bachelor or a Bachelorette party for them, a few nights before the Wedding
Ceremony. Sort of like a last hoorah!
When Laura signed, asking what they did at these parties, Jennifer explained,
"Well, sometimes they might rent a limo, and travel bar to bar and do a lot of
drinking and stupid stuff, like belly shots, or maybe just go to someone's house,
and party there. And there is usually plenty of eating, a lot of drinking, and
some "Gag Gift Giving" to the future bride."
Excitedly, Olivia asked, "Well, shouldn't we have a party like that for
Catherine?"
To which Rebecca shockingly said, "It sounds like a very wild time, and some
of us, well some of the girls are underage for any drinking!"
Clarifying, Olivia replied, "Well, I don't mean we have to have alcoholic
beverages, but wouldn't it be fun to just have an all girl party in the flavor of
what Catherine may be expecting?"
Jennifer then excitedly volunteered, "Yes I mean a Bachelorette party can be as
tame or as wild as you plan them to be. I have been to a few parties where it got
pretty wild! They hired a male dancer and it was crazy!"
Unsure what Jennifer meant by crazy, Brooke asked, "A male dancer? What's
so crazy about that? Lisa dances with a lot of men."
Just as Jennifer was about to go into detail about the kind of male dancer she
was referring to, Rebecca quickly cut her off, saying, "Some things are better
left unsaid JENNIFER!"
Realizing life was pretty sheltered for those who grew up here, Jennifer gave
Rebecca an apologetic nod, and said, "Suffice it to say, we definitely wouldn't
hire one of those! But anyway, we could have it at my place and be like Olivia
said, just an all girl party!"
And then thoughtfully cautioned, "You realize, It would have to be tomorrow
night."
As they all agreed to it being tomorrow night, Jennifer then worriedly asked,
"But would you all be able to come?"
They all glanced at each other, and after shrugging their shoulders, they
speculated they may be able to. But it was Jamie who ultimately said, "Sure, I
mean we are not prisoners or anything. But some of us should ask Father first
though. He always has to approve of a break in a curfew."
Nervously, Laura signed, "Who's going to ask him?"
All eyes turned toward Rebecca, as she elegantly wiped her mouth with her
napkin, and rose from her seat, saying, "No time like the present! I will go and
ask Father's permission right now."
The girls all nervously giggled at Rebecca's nerve, and watched as she
approached Jacob's table.
Respectfully, Rebecca waited for a break in his conversation with Peter and
Mary.
Being aware of Rebecca standing just behind him, he turned to her and asked,
"Yes Rebecca?"
Clearing her throat, she tried to contain her excitement as she asked, "I am sorry
to interrupt Father, but I would like to ask, if we may have permission to go
above to Jennifer's apartment tomorrow night for a Bachelorette party for
Catherine?"
Irritated by the fact this Bachelorette party would take time away from
preparing for the wedding, Mary quipped, "And who...might WE be?"
Feeling a bit put off that Mary butted in, Jacob slowly turned toward her and
said, "Mary...I was just going to ask that question myself."
Collecting herself, Mary apologized and explained, "I am sorry Father for
speaking out, its just there is so little time and so much to do! And now all the
girls will be breaking curfews, and gallivanting off to attend some wild party!"
Stifling Mary with a word of calm, Jacob turned back to Rebecca, and asked,
"Now tell me, who all would be going above to attend this...ahem...party?"
Firstly Rebecca assured Jacob it wouldn't be a wild party, just a little all girl get
together at Jennifer's. She then named everyone who would be going, adding,
"And of course, Mary is also invited."
In a surprised manner, Mary brought her hand to he heart, and asked, "You
mean you young girls want to have me at the party too?"
To which Rebecca emphatically replied, "Of course we do Mary. Jennifer said
she hoped you would also come."
Embarrassingly, Mary laughed, as she looked at both Peter and Jacob, feeling so
flattered she was included, saying, "Imagine! Jennifer said that uh?"
Having something at stake now herself, Mary then helped to plead Rebecca's
case to Jacob.
And so in a coaxing manner she asked, "I guess I don't see any harm in
attending a little get together! Do you Father?"
Jacob looked downward in an attempt to hide his smile, deciding to have a little
fun at Mary's expense, he then argued, "I believe your original instincts were
spot on Mary! Spot On! There is much to be done before the Wedding takes
place, and I don't see how you would be able to twitter away any spare time! At
a frivolous party no less."
He then turned to Peter and inquired, "What say you Peter?"
Joining in on the fun, he stressed, "Oh I quite agree! I mean Mary was only just
going down the list of things that still needed to be done!"
Disappointed she had made such a big thing of the remaining tasks, she now
made a point to suggest, "Well if we put our minds to it, we should be all right. I
mean, I am willing to put in a few hours yet tonight if need be."
Jacob, deliberately making Mary stew a little bit as she waited for his answer, he
dreamily went on, as he added, "You know, I recall attending a few of these
types of parties myself when I was a younger man...a MUCH younger man!
They can be quite a gay time!"
To which Peter retorted, "Ooh Boy, yes, I have been to a few too, and they can
be a rip roaring good time!"
Rebecca eagerly turned the attention back to the subject at hand, and asked,
"So it is all right then Father?"
Raising his brow, he said, "Well if both you, and Mary think the arrangements
are still manageable if you go...then I don't see any harm in you girls attending
Jennifer's party."
Giddily, Mary said, "Wonderful Father. Rebecca? Do tell Jennifer the party is
ON!"
Saying she would, Rebecca attempted to make a smooth exit, trying not to look
too excited, as she turned to tell the girls the good news.
Thoughtfully, Jacob tipped his head, scratched his chin, and said, "You know
Rebecca has got me to thinking, perhaps we will be shirking our duties if we
don't have a party of this nature for Vincent! What do you think Peter?"
Rubbing his hands together in a devious manner, Peter replied, "You are reading
my mind Dear friend."
Meanwhile, upon Rebecca's returning to Jennifer and the others, she happily
told them, they received Jacob's and MARY'S permission!
To which Jennifer excitedly said, "Good! Let's plan! Maybe we can have pizza,
Cathy's fave, and make some gooey fattening desserts, watch some chick
flicks...it will be fun! Wait until Cathy hears about this!"
Just then Mouse, Pascal, Kanin and Ronald, returning from the Great Hall, saw
some excitement at Jacob's table, and so they asked what was going on?
Jacob, and Peter filled them in on the idea of a Bachelor party, and they were
all in agreement, it sounded like a great idea!
Kanin suggested, "We could hang out in the Community center, play some Putt
Putt..."
Peter added, "I can get the food, maybe some tacos or something, maybe a little
beer..."
Excitedly, Mouse contributed, "I got my Juke Box working..."
Jacob turned toward Mouse, and sternly asked, "Where in Hades did you get a
Juke box Mouse?"
Innocent, yet informatively, Mouse replied, "Not in Hades Father...I just found
it..."
"Stop!" Commanded Jacob, "I don't think I want to know any thing more!"
The men all laughed knowing Mouse had more than likely acquired it in a
questionable way!
Changing the subject from Mouse's illegal extracurricular activities, Jacob
excitedly said, "Then it is a plan! We will throw Vincent a Bachelor Party!"
It was then Vincent and Catherine were told about the parties, and they each
happily accepted the idea, voicing their excitement and appreciation.
And so it was decreed, a Bachelor Party for Vincent, and a Bachelorette Party
for Catherine shall take place tomorrow night!
After Dinner, everyone began the migration to the Reading Chamber for Mary's
RAC. (Reading Appreciation Class) Even Lisa made it, and it was right in the
nick of time!
After giving Mary a quick hug, Lisa then found a seat next to Jacob in front of
Vincent, Catherine, Ronald and Jennifer. She turned to smile firstly at Vincent
and then with a friendly nod, she looked at Catherine, Ronald and Jennifer.
They in turn, warmly greeted her too.
Mary stood in front of everyone and looked about saying, "My, what a
wonderful turnout. Let us begin our discussion, shall we?"
She started out by explaining, "I find it fascinating, and perhaps you do as well,
that there are many repeated themes throughout the novel. Firstly, the
characters, themes and relationships of the first generation, are reflected over
again in the second generation! Secondly, there are two main themes, revenge
and romantic love.
Thirdly, there are the two families: the Earnshaws who live at the Heights, at the
edge of the moors, and the genteel and refined Lintons who live at Thrushcross
Grange."
She then asked, "What do you make of the significance of this? Anyone?
Rebecca stood up and replied, "I believe Bronte wanted to show life always has
more than one viewpoint...er, more than one side to every life experience."
Thinking that was true, but wanted something more, Mary said, "Well......there
is that Rebecca but...Ronald? You wanted to add to this idea?"
Ronald stood, and noted, "Many times the themes are even more than just
two-fold, but are rather multifaceted. Yes...I will agree with you, there are the
two themes of revenge and love, but there are complex feelings of jealousy and
rivalry too."
Jamie then stood and said, "What about the different power plays in all the
relationships throughout the novel?"
To which Mary asked, "I am not sure! What about them?"
In reply, Jamie strongly stated, "Well, I think this book shows women hold the
true power in a relationship! Look how Catherine single-handedly ruined
everyone's lives by causing all this trouble, just cuz she went against her
emotions and married the wrong guy!"
Rebecca then added, "Yes, you are right about one thing Jamie, Catherine
should have followed her heart and married Heathcliff at the start."
To which Peter asked, "But how could she marry Heathcliff? At least with
Edgar she had stability!"
Standing up for Heathcliff, Rebecca respectably shot back, "But she could have
had stability with Heathcliff! He came back wealthy, capable of taking care of
her. If only she would have waited...instead her marriage of convenience
destroyed him, and broke his heart."
Catherine too added, "Yes, I agree with Rebecca, our heroine should have
followed her heart, and married Heathcliff. Having money does not guarantee
happiness."
Jennifer then retorted, "Well I am not at all agreeing with Peter, and marry for
money, but come on...the other side of it is Heathcliff was a brooding boor!"
To which Peter inserted, "Who said marry for money? I said stability, and that
is a different thing!"
Lisa nodded, and said, "I see Peter's view point, wanting stability, and then
Jennifer's opinion on Heathcliff being a bit of a boor, but strangely...those
characteristics are appealing to a young girl, because she harbors hopes to
change him into a happy loving human being."
Jacob added his thoughts by taking the subject elsewhere and said, "I think we
can all agree, that stagnation is the main problem! There is no growth in the
character development of either Catherine and Heathcliff. It is interesting to
note, that Heathcliff and Catherine's essential natures remain very much the
same as they were when they were children. Catherine remained willful and
mischievous and Heathcliff, well Heathcliff remained uncomplaining and
vindictive."
Olivia then stood and noted, "But their stagnated maturity, falls right in line with
their unchanging love for one another. Mentally, nothing ever changed for them."
To which Catherine questioned, "Was it really love that tied them together, or
perhaps some thing else they identified with in each other?"
Because Jamie then noted, "They say you can love someone but not like them,
well I don't think Catherine liked Heathcliff."
In agreement, Laura then stood up and signed, "I agree, because remember as a
boy when he set the trap over the bird's nest, I think doing that altered
Catherine's feeling for him later in life."
Vincent relayed what Laura had said to everyone, and then replied, "Laura, you
have an excellent point. One may assume that since these thoughts consumed
Catherine on her death bed, this incident deeply affected her. Perhaps seeing
this cruelty within his heart, was why she ultimately opted to marry Edgar
instead of Heathcliff."
Peter then asked, "What? I didn't have a chance to read that chapter yet, what
are you guys talking about?"
To which Mary patiently said, "You see Catherine is on her bed, dying, and
begins picking the feathers out of her pillow, and identifies the origin of each
and every feather. Allow me to read this portion to you Peter...it reads as
follows...pillows-that's a turkey's,' she murmured to herself; `and this is a wild
duck's; and this is a pigeon's. Ah, they put pigeons' feathers in the pillows-no
wonder I couldn't die! Let me take care to throw it on the floor when I lie
down. And here is a moor-cock's; and this--I should know it among a
thousand--it's a lapwing's. Bonny bird; wheeling over our heads in the middle of
the moor. It wanted to get to its nest, for the clouds had touched the swells, and
it felt rain coming. This feather was picked up from the heath, the bird was not
shot: we saw its nest in the winter, full of little skeletons. Heathcliff set a trap
over it, and the old ones dare not come. I made him promise he'd never shoot a
lapwing after that, and he didn't. Yes, here are more! Did he shoot my lapwings,
Nelly? Are they red, any of them!"
Mary then concluded, "Yes Laura, I see what you mean, this paragraph shows
that this very much affected Catherine."
Rebecca dreamily said, "Yes, Heathcliff could be cruel, but it was because of
his losses he suffered in childhood. And though that is not an excuse to be
mean, he did have one redeeming quality, which was unconditional love for
Catherine."
Mary stood silent as she allowed Rebecca's last comment resonate with
everyone, and let them decide for themselves if what was between Catherine
and Heathcliff, true love of the most basic kind, or just some twisted
connection, neither of them could deny.
She then said, "I think we shall end our discussion of Wuthering Heights on that
note. Thank you Rebecca...thank you everyone."
Peter wanting to read something perhaps more uplifting, asked Mary this very
question.
And so Mary agreed, but then noted, "Yes, though this was a provocative and
often a very dark novel, just think, and look at the wonderful discussions it
prompted! I am open to suggestions for our next read. Let us discuss our next
choice as we enjoy some refreshment."
Mary then warmly welcomed everyone to the sitting room, for some tea and
cakes, that she had set out for RAC.
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Six
stand at the threshold, welcoming the rest of the community.
It was just about time to sit down, when Peter came dashing in, noting, "Oh
good, I didn't miss dinner! I am starving!"
Jacob welcomed his friend, whom he loved to spar with, by saying, "Your
timing is impeccable Peter...at least when a chance for a good meal is at risk!"
Thinking Jacob's comment bordered on rudeness, Mary tried to balance his
greeting with a more polite one. So pleasantly, she said, "You are right on time
Peter."
Wanting to tweak Jacob back, Peter put on an extra gallant air as he replied,
"Well thank you Mary. Being here with those who care about me, and the
promise of a good meal, made the treacherous drive through rush hour traffic,
more than worth it!"
Scolding a bit, Mary said, "Well now Peter, you daresn't risk your safety
worrying about being on time. You know William will always make you a plate!"
To which Peter put his arm around Jacob and said, "I know, but I didn't want to
miss eating with my ole' pal here."
With humor, Jacob denounced under his breath, "Do you think I am buying
that? What a crock full of poppycock!"
Getting a kick out of Jacob's demeanor, Peter asked, "Is that what William is
serving for supper?"
To which Jacob jokingly said, "There's a crock full of something around here,
but tisn't
William who is serving it!"
It was then William made the announcement supper was ready, putting an end
to the two doctors sparring match!
After everyone settled in and Jacob said his prayer of thanks, they enjoyed the
delicious Chicken pot pies, with Mashed Potato Casserole, and some Bread
Pudding with Orange Sauce for dessert.
Conversation in the Dining Hall was lively, as there was much to be excited
about.
Over at Vincent and Catherine's table, Rebecca privately asked Catherine if she
may have a peek at her dress later on, to which Catherine replied, "I wish I
could show you, but I left it at Jenny's. She invited me to spend the night before
the wedding, and get ready there."
Realizing she had not yet informed Vincent of her plans, she told Rebecca,
"Ooops I haven't told this to Vincent yet, maybe I better."
And so she turned to him and excitedly laid out the plans.
Seriously Vincent tipped his head in a contemplative manner, and said, "I see."
Thinking he seemed disappointed, she asked, "Is that all right Vincent?"
Nodding, and looking at her, he sweetly said, "Of course it is, in fact that sounds
perfect. I was merely envisioning you back in your old home...and then my
thoughts swayed, to the enchanting times in which I visited you there."
Enticingly she suggested, "Well, maybe you could visit me."
Liking the idea very much, Vincent turned only his eyes to look at her, and said,
"Yes...perhaps so."
Just then William came out of the kitchen with Elizabeth's tray, and asked for a
volunteer to take it to her. Stepping up, Vincent offered, and with him went
Catherine, thinking it would be nice to have a little time alone with Vincent.
Turning to Jennifer, she told her she would be back after their trek to the
Painted tunnels. To which Jennifer said, "I sure admire your energy Cath, after
all the walking we did today, I don't think I care to budge from this spot, at least
not until Mary's class."
Jennifer then told Ronald, and the others sitting near by, of how they went to
every bridal store they could think of, before finally finding their dresses at the
last shoppe on the list.
Everyone laughed saying that's the way it usually goes, when Pascal, Kanin and
Mouse came up to Ronald, asking, "You still gonna help us move the tables, or
now you can't cuz Jennifer is here?"
Sensing Ronald's dilemma, of not wanting to leave her alone, she encouragingly
said, "Don't let me change any plans you had! Go on ahead Ronny."
Mouse appreciating Jennifer for speaking up, he told her, "Won't take long! Be
right back."
With a thankful squeeze to her hand, Ronald stood up to follow the guys,
teasingly saying, "Famous last words."
As they walked away, Jamie quizzically asked Jennifer about the more
traditional wedding customs in the world above.
To which Jennifer readily informed Jamie, and the others that were listening in,
it was sometimes customary for friends of the Bride and Groom, to have a
Bachelor or a Bachelorette party for them, a few nights before the Wedding
Ceremony. Sort of like a last hoorah!
When Laura signed, asking what they did at these parties, Jennifer explained,
"Well, sometimes they might rent a limo, and travel bar to bar and do a lot of
drinking and stupid stuff, like belly shots, or maybe just go to someone's house,
and party there. And there is usually plenty of eating, a lot of drinking, and
some "Gag Gift Giving" to the future bride."
Excitedly, Olivia asked, "Well, shouldn't we have a party like that for
Catherine?"
To which Rebecca shockingly said, "It sounds like a very wild time, and some
of us, well some of the girls are underage for any drinking!"
Clarifying, Olivia replied, "Well, I don't mean we have to have alcoholic
beverages, but wouldn't it be fun to just have an all girl party in the flavor of
what Catherine may be expecting?"
Jennifer then excitedly volunteered, "Yes I mean a Bachelorette party can be as
tame or as wild as you plan them to be. I have been to a few parties where it got
pretty wild! They hired a male dancer and it was crazy!"
Unsure what Jennifer meant by crazy, Brooke asked, "A male dancer? What's
so crazy about that? Lisa dances with a lot of men."
Just as Jennifer was about to go into detail about the kind of male dancer she
was referring to, Rebecca quickly cut her off, saying, "Some things are better
left unsaid JENNIFER!"
Realizing life was pretty sheltered for those who grew up here, Jennifer gave
Rebecca an apologetic nod, and said, "Suffice it to say, we definitely wouldn't
hire one of those! But anyway, we could have it at my place and be like Olivia
said, just an all girl party!"
And then thoughtfully cautioned, "You realize, It would have to be tomorrow
night."
As they all agreed to it being tomorrow night, Jennifer then worriedly asked,
"But would you all be able to come?"
They all glanced at each other, and after shrugging their shoulders, they
speculated they may be able to. But it was Jamie who ultimately said, "Sure, I
mean we are not prisoners or anything. But some of us should ask Father first
though. He always has to approve of a break in a curfew."
Nervously, Laura signed, "Who's going to ask him?"
All eyes turned toward Rebecca, as she elegantly wiped her mouth with her
napkin, and rose from her seat, saying, "No time like the present! I will go and
ask Father's permission right now."
The girls all nervously giggled at Rebecca's nerve, and watched as she
approached Jacob's table.
Respectfully, Rebecca waited for a break in his conversation with Peter and
Mary.
Being aware of Rebecca standing just behind him, he turned to her and asked,
"Yes Rebecca?"
Clearing her throat, she tried to contain her excitement as she asked, "I am sorry
to interrupt Father, but I would like to ask, if we may have permission to go
above to Jennifer's apartment tomorrow night for a Bachelorette party for
Catherine?"
Irritated by the fact this Bachelorette party would take time away from
preparing for the wedding, Mary quipped, "And who...might WE be?"
Feeling a bit put off that Mary butted in, Jacob slowly turned toward her and
said, "Mary...I was just going to ask that question myself."
Collecting herself, Mary apologized and explained, "I am sorry Father for
speaking out, its just there is so little time and so much to do! And now all the
girls will be breaking curfews, and gallivanting off to attend some wild party!"
Stifling Mary with a word of calm, Jacob turned back to Rebecca, and asked,
"Now tell me, who all would be going above to attend this...ahem...party?"
Firstly Rebecca assured Jacob it wouldn't be a wild party, just a little all girl get
together at Jennifer's. She then named everyone who would be going, adding,
"And of course, Mary is also invited."
In a surprised manner, Mary brought her hand to he heart, and asked, "You
mean you young girls want to have me at the party too?"
To which Rebecca emphatically replied, "Of course we do Mary. Jennifer said
she hoped you would also come."
Embarrassingly, Mary laughed, as she looked at both Peter and Jacob, feeling so
flattered she was included, saying, "Imagine! Jennifer said that uh?"
Having something at stake now herself, Mary then helped to plead Rebecca's
case to Jacob.
And so in a coaxing manner she asked, "I guess I don't see any harm in
attending a little get together! Do you Father?"
Jacob looked downward in an attempt to hide his smile, deciding to have a little
fun at Mary's expense, he then argued, "I believe your original instincts were
spot on Mary! Spot On! There is much to be done before the Wedding takes
place, and I don't see how you would be able to twitter away any spare time! At
a frivolous party no less."
He then turned to Peter and inquired, "What say you Peter?"
Joining in on the fun, he stressed, "Oh I quite agree! I mean Mary was only just
going down the list of things that still needed to be done!"
Disappointed she had made such a big thing of the remaining tasks, she now
made a point to suggest, "Well if we put our minds to it, we should be all right. I
mean, I am willing to put in a few hours yet tonight if need be."
Jacob, deliberately making Mary stew a little bit as she waited for his answer, he
dreamily went on, as he added, "You know, I recall attending a few of these
types of parties myself when I was a younger man...a MUCH younger man!
They can be quite a gay time!"
To which Peter retorted, "Ooh Boy, yes, I have been to a few too, and they can
be a rip roaring good time!"
Rebecca eagerly turned the attention back to the subject at hand, and asked,
"So it is all right then Father?"
Raising his brow, he said, "Well if both you, and Mary think the arrangements
are still manageable if you go...then I don't see any harm in you girls attending
Jennifer's party."
Giddily, Mary said, "Wonderful Father. Rebecca? Do tell Jennifer the party is
ON!"
Saying she would, Rebecca attempted to make a smooth exit, trying not to look
too excited, as she turned to tell the girls the good news.
Thoughtfully, Jacob tipped his head, scratched his chin, and said, "You know
Rebecca has got me to thinking, perhaps we will be shirking our duties if we
don't have a party of this nature for Vincent! What do you think Peter?"
Rubbing his hands together in a devious manner, Peter replied, "You are reading
my mind Dear friend."
Meanwhile, upon Rebecca's returning to Jennifer and the others, she happily
told them, they received Jacob's and MARY'S permission!
To which Jennifer excitedly said, "Good! Let's plan! Maybe we can have pizza,
Cathy's fave, and make some gooey fattening desserts, watch some chick
flicks...it will be fun! Wait until Cathy hears about this!"
Just then Mouse, Pascal, Kanin and Ronald, returning from the Great Hall, saw
some excitement at Jacob's table, and so they asked what was going on?
Jacob, and Peter filled them in on the idea of a Bachelor party, and they were
all in agreement, it sounded like a great idea!
Kanin suggested, "We could hang out in the Community center, play some Putt
Putt..."
Peter added, "I can get the food, maybe some tacos or something, maybe a little
beer..."
Excitedly, Mouse contributed, "I got my Juke Box working..."
Jacob turned toward Mouse, and sternly asked, "Where in Hades did you get a
Juke box Mouse?"
Innocent, yet informatively, Mouse replied, "Not in Hades Father...I just found
it..."
"Stop!" Commanded Jacob, "I don't think I want to know any thing more!"
The men all laughed knowing Mouse had more than likely acquired it in a
questionable way!
Changing the subject from Mouse's illegal extracurricular activities, Jacob
excitedly said, "Then it is a plan! We will throw Vincent a Bachelor Party!"
It was then Vincent and Catherine were told about the parties, and they each
happily accepted the idea, voicing their excitement and appreciation.
And so it was decreed, a Bachelor Party for Vincent, and a Bachelorette Party
for Catherine shall take place tomorrow night!
After Dinner, everyone began the migration to the Reading Chamber for Mary's
RAC. (Reading Appreciation Class) Even Lisa made it, and it was right in the
nick of time!
After giving Mary a quick hug, Lisa then found a seat next to Jacob in front of
Vincent, Catherine, Ronald and Jennifer. She turned to smile firstly at Vincent
and then with a friendly nod, she looked at Catherine, Ronald and Jennifer.
They in turn, warmly greeted her too.
Mary stood in front of everyone and looked about saying, "My, what a
wonderful turnout. Let us begin our discussion, shall we?"
She started out by explaining, "I find it fascinating, and perhaps you do as well,
that there are many repeated themes throughout the novel. Firstly, the
characters, themes and relationships of the first generation, are reflected over
again in the second generation! Secondly, there are two main themes, revenge
and romantic love.
Thirdly, there are the two families: the Earnshaws who live at the Heights, at the
edge of the moors, and the genteel and refined Lintons who live at Thrushcross
Grange."
She then asked, "What do you make of the significance of this? Anyone?
Rebecca stood up and replied, "I believe Bronte wanted to show life always has
more than one viewpoint...er, more than one side to every life experience."
Thinking that was true, but wanted something more, Mary said, "Well......there
is that Rebecca but...Ronald? You wanted to add to this idea?"
Ronald stood, and noted, "Many times the themes are even more than just
two-fold, but are rather multifaceted. Yes...I will agree with you, there are the
two themes of revenge and love, but there are complex feelings of jealousy and
rivalry too."
Jamie then stood and said, "What about the different power plays in all the
relationships throughout the novel?"
To which Mary asked, "I am not sure! What about them?"
In reply, Jamie strongly stated, "Well, I think this book shows women hold the
true power in a relationship! Look how Catherine single-handedly ruined
everyone's lives by causing all this trouble, just cuz she went against her
emotions and married the wrong guy!"
Rebecca then added, "Yes, you are right about one thing Jamie, Catherine
should have followed her heart and married Heathcliff at the start."
To which Peter asked, "But how could she marry Heathcliff? At least with
Edgar she had stability!"
Standing up for Heathcliff, Rebecca respectably shot back, "But she could have
had stability with Heathcliff! He came back wealthy, capable of taking care of
her. If only she would have waited...instead her marriage of convenience
destroyed him, and broke his heart."
Catherine too added, "Yes, I agree with Rebecca, our heroine should have
followed her heart, and married Heathcliff. Having money does not guarantee
happiness."
Jennifer then retorted, "Well I am not at all agreeing with Peter, and marry for
money, but come on...the other side of it is Heathcliff was a brooding boor!"
To which Peter inserted, "Who said marry for money? I said stability, and that
is a different thing!"
Lisa nodded, and said, "I see Peter's view point, wanting stability, and then
Jennifer's opinion on Heathcliff being a bit of a boor, but strangely...those
characteristics are appealing to a young girl, because she harbors hopes to
change him into a happy loving human being."
Jacob added his thoughts by taking the subject elsewhere and said, "I think we
can all agree, that stagnation is the main problem! There is no growth in the
character development of either Catherine and Heathcliff. It is interesting to
note, that Heathcliff and Catherine's essential natures remain very much the
same as they were when they were children. Catherine remained willful and
mischievous and Heathcliff, well Heathcliff remained uncomplaining and
vindictive."
Olivia then stood and noted, "But their stagnated maturity, falls right in line with
their unchanging love for one another. Mentally, nothing ever changed for them."
To which Catherine questioned, "Was it really love that tied them together, or
perhaps some thing else they identified with in each other?"
Because Jamie then noted, "They say you can love someone but not like them,
well I don't think Catherine liked Heathcliff."
In agreement, Laura then stood up and signed, "I agree, because remember as a
boy when he set the trap over the bird's nest, I think doing that altered
Catherine's feeling for him later in life."
Vincent relayed what Laura had said to everyone, and then replied, "Laura, you
have an excellent point. One may assume that since these thoughts consumed
Catherine on her death bed, this incident deeply affected her. Perhaps seeing
this cruelty within his heart, was why she ultimately opted to marry Edgar
instead of Heathcliff."
Peter then asked, "What? I didn't have a chance to read that chapter yet, what
are you guys talking about?"
To which Mary patiently said, "You see Catherine is on her bed, dying, and
begins picking the feathers out of her pillow, and identifies the origin of each
and every feather. Allow me to read this portion to you Peter...it reads as
follows...pillows-that's a turkey's,' she murmured to herself; `and this is a wild
duck's; and this is a pigeon's. Ah, they put pigeons' feathers in the pillows-no
wonder I couldn't die! Let me take care to throw it on the floor when I lie
down. And here is a moor-cock's; and this--I should know it among a
thousand--it's a lapwing's. Bonny bird; wheeling over our heads in the middle of
the moor. It wanted to get to its nest, for the clouds had touched the swells, and
it felt rain coming. This feather was picked up from the heath, the bird was not
shot: we saw its nest in the winter, full of little skeletons. Heathcliff set a trap
over it, and the old ones dare not come. I made him promise he'd never shoot a
lapwing after that, and he didn't. Yes, here are more! Did he shoot my lapwings,
Nelly? Are they red, any of them!"
Mary then concluded, "Yes Laura, I see what you mean, this paragraph shows
that this very much affected Catherine."
Rebecca dreamily said, "Yes, Heathcliff could be cruel, but it was because of
his losses he suffered in childhood. And though that is not an excuse to be
mean, he did have one redeeming quality, which was unconditional love for
Catherine."
Mary stood silent as she allowed Rebecca's last comment resonate with
everyone, and let them decide for themselves if what was between Catherine
and Heathcliff, true love of the most basic kind, or just some twisted
connection, neither of them could deny.
She then said, "I think we shall end our discussion of Wuthering Heights on that
note. Thank you Rebecca...thank you everyone."
Peter wanting to read something perhaps more uplifting, asked Mary this very
question.
And so Mary agreed, but then noted, "Yes, though this was a provocative and
often a very dark novel, just think, and look at the wonderful discussions it
prompted! I am open to suggestions for our next read. Let us discuss our next
choice as we enjoy some refreshment."
Mary then warmly welcomed everyone to the sitting room, for some tea and
cakes, that she had set out for RAC.
To be continued
Chapter Thirty-Six
