We Have Always Lived In The Castle Ch’s 3, 4 & 5 Discussion
I have to start off by telling everyone that while I was first terrified of leading this group, I am now LOVING it! The discussion for the first two chapters has been wonderful and has me thinking all sorts of possibilities that I haven’t thought of before. So what does everyone think of our next session?
Here we see Mary sort of spinning into almost a psychosis, I would say with the belief that buried objects will keep her safe, a book nailed to a post will keep bad things from happening, a series of three magic words can protect her (anyone have anything to say on those words?), a secret hiding place among trees to protect her and conversations with her pet cat, Jonas.
But it’s not just Mary that’s acting increasingly more bizarre with these next three chapters. As Frankie pointed out in the comments of the discussion of Chapter’s 1&2, the whole family seems to make a mockery out of the murder of the rest of the family, often making harsh jokes about it. And does anyone else get the feeling that Uncle Julian knows much more about what happened than what he leads on…that he has some sort of dementia and occasionally sees through to the past. It almost seems to me that Constance tries to shut him up at time. I almost wonder if SHE’S putting something in HIS food at times and telling him “now now, just go outside and look at the pretty birds.”
And then there’s Cousin Charles who I honestly don’t know what to make of. I find it highly suspicious that he’s there just to reunite and look after everyone. Highly suspicious. Though he seems to find Uncle Julian’s talk of the murders disturbing at times, there’s also something about him that just isn’t right. But let’s be honest…is there anyone in this bloodline that we’ve met so far that has their head screwed on straight?
A lot of people mentioned in the comments last week that they had a strong feeling Mary Katherine was the one who put the arsenic in the sugar. Is everyone still feeling that way? Just curious to know. I honestly don’t know what to think at this point. I really don’t! But I have a feeling I’ll be flying through our next section tonight :p
jendevourerofbooks, 
Frankie, and 1 other are discussing. 
jendevourerofbooks 11:18 am on October 25, 2010 Permalink |
So I read your question before reading chapter 5 and I was thinking “I don’t know, Charles seems okay. Sure, a little odd he just showed up, but okay.”
But then there were his little comments to Uncle Julian about Mary not liking him and how he gets even with people who don’t like him and now he is incredibly creepy!
I’m actually starting to wonder if it perhaps wasn’t actually one of the survivors who killed everyone. Maybe one of the people now dead had a motive we haven’t learned about yet, or perhaps Charles or his father were somehow involved.
I do love the verbal smackdown that Mary gave Charles at the end of chapter 5, though, about the poisonous mushrooms that don’t kill for 5-10 days.
vivienne 1:07 pm on October 25, 2010 Permalink |
Ooh I don’t like Charles at all. He is definitely weird and I think he is far too interested in what money has been left, as he asks where it is kept. He has admitted to being left nothing, so he wants the money and he is only nice to Constance. He is rather standoffish with Uncle Julian and Mary.
I still think Mary did it, but she was too young to stand trial so Constance took her place.
Jendevourerofbooks comment about the mushrooms is definitely a good one. Definitely one to put Charles in his place.
Chris – I wonder if you are right about Constance putting something in Julian’s food. He does seem to change healthwise on a daily basis.
I can’t wait to read more.
jendevourerofbooks 8:15 pm on October 25, 2010 Permalink |
Yes! The whole money thing was *highly* suspect.
Frankie 3:40 pm on October 25, 2010 Permalink |
Just what this family needs, another crazy relative to add to the mix. My impression of Charles is that he doesn’t know how to present himself to the remaining family to be accepted. He uses flattery for Constance, attempts to cajole MaryKatherine then resorts to innuendo and taunting. The boy has no idea that MaryKatherine is more superior (or mentally ill)in this game.
As for Julian I think medicating him is a good guess. If MaryKatherine is guilty of murder it would be better for the remaining family to keep that out of the conversation.
I feel a sadness for Constance. Charlies’ presence and Mrs. Clark’s conversation has stirred a longing for her to be out and normal.
Patti Smith 5:43 pm on October 25, 2010 Permalink |
I still feel very strongly that Constance did not commit these murders, and I had absolutely 0 positive vibes about Charles. His visit was foreshadowed through Merricat’s comments that everything was going to change. Charles seems to be a manipulator. His treatment of Uncle Julian is inexcusable!!! I am stunned that Constance allows it; at least Merricat knows how to spot a charlatan when she sees one, no matter how mentally ill she is…and I’ve no doubt that she is.
Money almost seems to obvious of a motive for Charles…I think there’s something more to this story.
The mushroom conversation made me laugh out loud; Charles does not need to underestimate Merricat…not if he plans on surviving
I haven’t gotten the feeling that Constance is medicating Uncle Julian too much…I did wonder if the doctor is doing just that…I guess we’ll see…