Middlemarch Chapters 1-5

 Hello again!

So, first of all, this is a MASSIVE spoiler warning. I will be sharing quotes, summaries and details about the book, so if you haven't read it yet, I recommend you do so! Anyways, let's get reading. (Disclaimer: All quotes are taken from the Penguin English Library Edition of George Eliot's Middlemarch.)

Chapter 1

The first chapter of Middlemarch introduces the sisters Celia (17 maybe?) and Dorothea (19) Brooke. And I think they are the perfect example of my little sister and me. Complete opposites. And tbh, I am a huge fan of Dorothea. She's literally my spirit animal. Everyone says she's incredibly clever and, honestly, that's one of my goals too. Like... imagine being known cause you're so smart. That would be an achievement.

Also I really share her love of being outdoors. (Don't get me wrong, I absolutely despise hiking and all that survival stuff, but taking a walk in the woods or frolicking in a meadow?? Sign me up!!!)

Dorothea doesn't think anyone will marry her. It's not even in a negative way. Every time she talks to a man, she imagines what it must be like to be his sister-in-law. What she wants in a man no one can give her. She wants to be taught things, wants to learn. She wants someone determined, someone who doesn't just always say "Exactly" to whatever she says. She really differs from her sister, who I think is a bit more romantically inclined.

 Chapter 2

The second chapter starts with something I'm absolutely jealous of: Dorothea's uncle, who cared for her and her sister since their parent's death, has had dinner with WILLIAM WORDSWORTH. The poet. One of my favourite poets. It's just unfair.

Apart from that, the Brooke's have guests over. Mr James Chettam, and Mr Casaubon (I really have no idea how to pronounce that name lol). And his part of the conversation is incredibly interesting to Dorothea. Mr Casaubon and Dodo's uncle are talking about history and knowledge and these things, and if this is not an indicator that I'm really gonna like this story, what is?

That's definitely something I can stand behind. Do you know how often I'm rambling about how the lack of thinking and knowledge in the Middle Ages made the whole European population go stupid again? Like... we had pyramids, temples, amazing architecture and creative writings such as the Iliad, the Odyssey or the plays by Euripides... and then we had stupid people and the plague. Charlemagne couldn't even read. Did you know that? That's what comes of not thinking enough!

The evening goes on, and there's some conversation about many a thing, and I think Dorothea really starts to like Mr Casaubon. She has her own mind, and once she has decided to do something, she will do it. I begin to think she (like me) has low impulse control. Whoops. Dorothea admires Mr Casaubon, while Celia just thinks he's ugly. Also he's 27 years older than Dorothea. I don't know what to make of that. Maybe he dies early?

Chapter 3

Dorothea is THIRSTING over Mr Casaubon. There. I said it. It's happening, everybody stay calm. She adores how smart he is and how he's the only one who can keep up a conversation with her. Also he is constantly visiting and talking to her and paying attention to what she has to say (#goals). She wants him to teach her things so she can become even smarter, what kind of power move is that!

And one day, while she is on a walk, contemplating her situation, she meets Sir James Chettam. The guy who will maybe one day be her brother in law? You wish! He's in love with her. But, of course, she's in denial. Like, nu uh, she doesn't even like him like that. And he doesn't like her like that - she thinks.

Like. Don't tell me that's not 19th century flirting right there. Admit it, James. You like her. And she is so OBLIVIOUS. Or maybe she doesn't wanna see. We don't know that yet. All dear Dorothea can think about is Mr Casaubon's "mental wealth". She's all about knowledge, and I'm here for it. But during her talk with James, I can't help to think that they're soulmates nonetheless. They are meant to be, I will die on this hill.

Chapter 4

 First of all: I am obsessed with this chapter's "motto":

And also, Celia might be the only sensible person in this story.

Yesssss. She's the only one aware of Dorothea's surroundings as it seems. But all she can do is feel disgust. It's really a shame. Call me delusional, but I think the two are meant for each other. James and Dorothea, I mean. And then, every hope falls apart - her uncle tells her that Mr Casaubon wants to marry her. He has written a letter to her. Her uncle gives it to her. And she's happy. There goes my hope of her marrying James.

Chapter 5

This chapter starts with Mr Casaubons letter, and I am not entirely sure he's the man she hopes he is. He sounds kinda condescending about her age and her being a woman. My goodness. Also she doesn't really care if he's the right person for her, only about how she can be the right person for him.

In conclusion: I don't think Casaubon and Dorothea are meant to be. Solely based on vibes. Also I don't think we know his first name. Kinda sus in my opinion. Dorothea and James has a much nicer ring to it, don't you think?