Blog Posting #1-Reactions to The Pit (1-5)

After reading through chapter five of the novel, I fell that I have become acquainted with the language and vocabulary as well as fleshed out some interesting observations and questions. From the beginning, it was clear that the unique vocabulary and conversational styles of the characters were a direct consequence of the accepted interactions among men and women of the period. In the initial scene where Laura and the group were waiting for the Cresslers to arrive, the group deliberated about the appropriateness of approaching a man whom Laura though was a part of their group, Mr. Jadwin. They spend so much time arguing and waiting that the novel actually narrates this fact at least two times saying, “[they] did not move, and another five minutes passed by” (Norris 13). The text also repetitively italicizes ‘couldn’t’ to emphasize that there was a natural barrier to their desired action. It is clear that the public interactions between men and women are very structured and intended to be a formal almost ritualistic affair. The unspoken narration surrounding Laura and Mr. Jadwin’s interaction appeared, to me, a short, straight-forward, question and answer affair. This interaction, and the majority of interactions encountered thus far, demonstrates a clear focus on word choice, especially tone. When characters are introduced, I noticed that a large description follows detailing, briefly the physical appearance, and more extensively, an mental description I now understand what Bledstein meant when he said that “words were their primary social currency” (71). As some things become clear, there exist many interactions which I do not completely understand.

At one point in the novel, Laura Dearborn has three potential suitors aggressively vying for her hand. What I find unusual is that the suitors are aware of each other and are content with Laura playing them all as fools. Is it the societal structure which allows Laura to have three suitors yet not wish to choose? Laura tells each man that she will not marry him, then she says that they can keep trying, then she writes each of them letter saying she will never marry any of them. Then she decides to marry Mr. Jadwin despite this fact. What makes this novel frustrating, yet in agreement with Mid-Victorian values, is the amazingly slow pace with which the plot actually advances. After reading half the novel, not a whole lot of things have actually happened. Most of the novel is spent providing immense detail of every subtlety and inflection in the character’s conversations, which to a modern-day observer would not necessarily garner as much depth of analysis and commentary. Such interactions include the opera meeting, getting-dressed, the kiss, and the marriage.