Alright, I hate to be THAT person, but I just cannot ignore the obvious jealousy and cattiness that Jenny exhibits about Margaret. There were times in the previous chapters that I was concerned that there were hints of something more than just familial feeling from Jenny for Chris, but I definitely am concerned that this book is going to take THAT turn.The way that Jenny describes Margaret and her surroundings is not that of an impartial observer or even that of a family member looking out for her cousin's best interest. The constant focus on Margaret's flaws definitely feels, to me, like that of a jealous fan girl. It's like when your favorite celebrity gets married and you have to point out all of the flaws of the person that they're wedding.
We discussed in class Tuesday the idea that Jenny is an untrustworthy narrator and I have to say that the reading for Thursday just secured that idea for me. She talks several times about how she feels bad about how Margaret lives, but then she doesn't try to alleviate any of the stress that Margaret feels. She doesn't even seem to care all that much about Kitty. She mentions Kitty's disgust and anger, but she does nothing, but continue watching out for and supporting Chris.
So, what do you think?
1. Am I reading too much into Jenny's harsh descriptions and admissions of jealousy?
2. Do you think that Jenny has selfish motivation for allowing Chris to have Margaret beside him? I have this sinking feeling that Jenny would like the beautiful Kitty out of the way, but that's just me.
3. Is Jenny maybe a little too accepting of the situation? Is this because of her own not so innocent affections for Chris?
I don’t think that you are necessarily reading too much into the actions of Jenny as although Chris is the primary focus of the novel one thinks of when it comes to the psychoanalysis taking place within the text, it certainly is reasonable that the psychology of other characters is important as well, as the war extends beyond that of the battlefield. And Jenny’s psychology is interesting as her motives as we discussed in class are suspect in a lot of ways, as are those of Kitty and Margaret, as the question surrounds what it is that each of them wants from Chris with his illness and if any of them are to be trusted or in fact have the best interests for Chris, which I think even at the end of the book, is still somewhat left open ended when the soldier does return.
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