Victorians! discussion

Welcome to Week 2 : Chapters 5-8
What an exciting section!!!

Ch. 5- May Crommelin, “Complications”
Ch. 6- F. C. Phillips, A woman's view of the matter
Ch. 7- Rita (Elizabeth Margaret Jane Humphreys, née Gollan)
“So near — so far away”
Ch. 8- Joseph Hatton, “The Tragedy”

The Fate of Fenella: Summary Ch. 5-8

Jacynthe rescues Ronny and Lucille makes a show of concern. At the Prospect Hotel, the two couples end up at the same table for dinner with Castleton and a handsome young Austrian, the Count de Mürger. Jealousy ensues.

Jacynthe discusses Fenella with his sister, Helen, who refuses to befriend her in the situation.

After writing a conciliatory letter, Frank believes he has seen a man entering his wife’s chambers. As he retreats to Paris, he hears of the murder of a European nobleman.

The narrator describes the murder of the dastardly Count de Mürger, by the hand of Frank Onslow in a trance, and the false confession of Lady Onslow. The inquest raises enough questions that Frank comes under the scrutiny of Scotland Yard.

1. What differences have you perceived in the way certain characters are portrayed by the different authors?
2. Were you surprised by any of the events?
3. What do you make of Lucille’s reaction when Ronny asks if she has ever been to prison?
4. How does the count’s murder alter your perception of the story to come?

Surprising, shocking, scandalous and sensational. I am enjoying this rollercoaster ride so far. It is also developing into a little bit of a ghost train which shocks and scares around each corner. No doubt for me that chapter 8 was the most sensational chapter from a Victorian novel that I have ever read.

To bring all the protagonists together at the hotel in such a provocative way was a masterstroke in heightening the tension of the novel. It has become clear that both Frank and Fenella are being tempted by evil influences (the Count and Lucille), fuelled by that jealousy they have of each other. There had to be an explosion of some sort and it happened in chapter 8.

Both the lead up to the murder and the way the murder was committed were shockingly sensational.

For the Count to visit Fenella’s bedroom at midnight was scandalous enough, but his intent was both clear and horrifying even to the woman who encouraged him. Would she have used the knife if Frank hadn’t arrived? I think so.

And then Frank’s intervention reminded me very much of Wilkie Collins The Moonstone when…. (spoiler for those who have not read the Moonstone)(view spoiler)[ Franklin Blake steals the Moonstone whilst sleepwalking under the gaze of his lover Rachel Verinder. (hide spoiler)].

The strength of Fenella’s love for Frank was revealed in the way she shielded him, but she is now in a dire situation and the two are as far apart from each other as they ever were.

I really enjoyed the way the events of chapters 5 and 6, created the tension that culminated in chapters 7 and 8. The end of chapter 7 was such a surprise and pivoted the story into a new and exciting direction. I love that the writers are talented and creative enough to pick up on each other. I’ll admit that I expected a much choppier tale. (Of course we have a ways to go!)

This story certainly moves at a fast pace! And it certainly has a very sensational element- a sleepwalking murderer!

It does! I’m thoroughly enjoying the twists and turns. :)

The love between Fenella and Frank is so strong, even though both have behaved with great immaturity and ill-judgment. I was hopeful when Frank went to her room with the letter that they would reconcile. And then, what a great shock it was to learn that Frank had murdered the Count while sleep-walking! Really a great twist, so unexpected. Now I wonder about two things - did Frank really commit the murder, or are we being led astray, and what about the letter he dropped? Did Fenella find it, or will it somehow figure later in the story? I'm very impressed with how each author picks up the story and adds his/her own twist.

Yes! It’s a lot of fun. :)