Curious Cat Meeting #1
The first meeting of the Curious Cat Literary Society was held at Camron-Stanford House on March 15, 2023. We welcomed 12 members and discussed a little-known literary treasure— The Morgesons by Elizabeth Stoddard.
Book Summary (Via Goodreads)
Elizabeth Stoddard combines the narrative style of the popular nineteenth-century male-centered bildungsroman with the conventions of women's romantic fiction in this revolutionary exploration of the conflict between a woman's instinct, passion, and will, and the social taboos, family allegiances, and traditional New England restraint that inhibit her. Set in a small seaport town (1862), The Morgesons is the dramatic story of Cassandra Morgeson's fight against social and religious norms in a quest for sexual, spiritual, and economic autonomy. An indomitable heroine, Cassandra not only achieves an equal and complete love with her husband and ownership of her family's property, but also masters the skills and accomplishments expected of women. Counterpointed with the stultified lives of her aunt, mother, and sister, Cassandra's success is a striking and radical affirmation of women's power to shape their own destinies. Embodying the convergence of the melodrama and sexual undercurrents of gothic romance and Victorian social realism, The Morgesons marks an important transition in the development of the novel and evoked comparisons during Stoddard's lifetime with such masters as Balzac, Tolstoy, Eliot, the Brontes, and Hawthorne.
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Cassandra’s journey can be broken down into six segments. Which do you think was most impactful on her development as a young adult?
What do you think about the relationship between Cassandra and her sister Veronica?
Did you find it easy to relate to Cassandra? Do you think women in the 19th century would have related to her character?
What role does the sea play in Cassandra’s life and as a literary device?
Were you happy with the way Cassandra’s story ended?
What would you like to see next for Cassandra?
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“The Morgesons is a book centered around the women of this extended family. The main character, Cassandra, observes the lives of those around her. The story explores what it means to have love, adventure, and freedom as a woman in Victorian New England. It's a fascinating glimpse into everyday life and how relationships with people, family, duty, and society change over time as financial troubles, death, and hardship shape the environment.” -ST
The next meeting of the Curious Cat Literary Society will take place on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Book title will be updated shortly.
To learn more about the Curious Cat Literary Society and join our list, please visit our main website!