2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Lord Lambert sexually assaults Cassandra in a private room at a gala. He threatens her with retribution if she says anything and accuses her of sending mixed messages. Your thoughts about what happened, it’s relevance to modern day situations and how her family handled the matter?

She was curious about Lord Lambert; she didn't think they would be compatible. She only wanted a hot kiss or two and got far more than she bargained for. Her family had few options. The man in that time will always be believed and the girl ruined. They went on the offensive and as a family they stood strong. Young women are still curious and still get into trouble over it.

Historically, men have the upper hand. Cassandra was interested in conversation with Lord Lambert. She wanted to get an idea about how he would treat her as a wife. Would he love her? Could she love him? Lambert thought this was a come on and Cassandra wants sex.

We see similar behavior today with powerful men. Women need to use their body for advancement. The casting couch-- Harvey Weinstein, Less Moonves are examples of modern day Lamberts.

I never thought Cassandra wanted even a kiss from this guy. He tricked her into going into that room and she was ready to leave almost immediately, especially after he started manhandling her.

And, I don’t think Cassandra was ever trying to deliberately use her body. Even she was distressed about her weight gain. Men saw her as a sexual come on she was instigating, which she never conveyed.

If you’ve followed the Weinstein and Moonves cases, the women weren’t using their bodies for advancement. These men used their power and influence to use them. They were wrecked after being with these two.

You are correct. Women were wrecked. I misspoke. However, the casting couch has been around for a long time, and some women did use it to get parts they wanted.

I remember Dale Evans telling about her experience to Johnny Carson. I was a kid and asked my mother what she was talking about. I can't remember how my mother explained it. Anyway, Dale Evans walked away from acting until Roy Rogers was in the picture.

I just struggle with the notion that women used the casting couch for parts. The men controlling the parts made it a price of entry. Most didn’t willingly cast their bodies on those couches.

Marilyn Monroe was used horribly by just about everyone. Classic example where she was painted as the wanton vixen. This story has the same whiff. Cassandra just had protectors.

I'm sure it was used by men more than women to get what they want. I don't trust men in power especially before 2000.

I used to watch the old biography channel, and some actress did talk about doing "anything" to advance their career including sex.

I agree about Marilyn Monroe.

Some of my comments are misleading. I don't blame women in these situations. Women have always been at the mercy of powerful men.

Thanks for clarifying, Sharon!

It's amazing to me how much power men had over women. They were basically a possession. It's criminal how long it took for women to be able to speak up and be taken seriously. I was so glad that Cassandra's family stood behind her when all of this happened. And this was when I really started to like Tom.

Oh, he stepped up nicely.