Secret Garden, Flambards and author intention (possibly AKA 'What WAS she thinking?')

[lady_schrapnell]

All over at Blog from the Windowsill...

Okay, even if you haven't read Flambards, check out the link back to the 'classic children's books question #2' post in that, for the question of whether Mary marries Dickon or Colin (or neither or both - sorry - or 'nobody'). It's not a question I ever considered as a child either, though I can't imagine the 1993 film version's addition of a romantic element was just the product of one warped mind. Nor is heroine marrying male cousin an unusual element of classic lit - especially given isolated setting and the suggestion that there's not going to be a huge amount of involvement in wider society.

The Flambards Divided question is really interesting too - though you have to have read all four books to play along with that one.

Hmm, much more cheerful now - I'm thinking I might have a shiny essay topic for next module (Origins and Development of Children's Literature)...

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Okay, I think we need to turn the "both" concept over to MotherReader for some more exciting reader's theatre.... - Wendy

[lady-schrapnell.livejournal.com]

Heh. Great idea - that theatre was hilarious.

[thedragonweaver.livejournal.com]

I believe it was made clear in the book that Colin and Mary were not cousins, unless I'm confusing yet another version of the Secret Garden with a book that I haven't got a copy of.

Incidentally, I picked up a copy of the Hallmark one and was surprised to recognize the adult Colin— as Colin Firth. Mr. Darcy. Heh.

[lady-schrapnell.livejournal.com]

I had to check on this, as it's been a while, but (via Steepholm) they are definitely (first) cousins. Possibly it's changed in the Hallmark film version?

Hadn't realised that was Colin Firth! Which one was killed in the war then? It was very strange watching Circle of Friends shortly after Pride and Prejudice and suddenly recognizing Colin Firth as the absolutely stinker - my mother refused to believe it for quite a while.

(Thanks for the username compliment, btw. I'm saying it here as I feel a bit shy about posting on Emma Bull's blog at all!)