A Doll's First Thoughts

Researching A Doll's House the night prior to reading has, quite frankly, messed with my interpretation a bit. I feel I'm constantly searching for what makes this play so controversial and feminist--or perhaps I'm just a bad controversial feminist.

The play itself is enjoyable thus far, save for having to hear Will and Rachel refer to each other in sickly sweet pet names. Nora (played by Rachel, if you didn't catch that part) alone is an interesting character--intelligent then careless, determined then flighty. Her flirtations are interesting, albeit annoying, but they're integral to the plot, I'm sure.

It keeps reminding me of Clue, the board game/movie. I consistently expect a murder followed by Mrs. Linde's accusations, Mr. Krogstad's blackmail threats, and Nora's romantic plays of heroism (when, of course, we all know the maid did it). I know logically that is unlikely to happen, but it would offer a fun twist.

At this point, I like the book, and we're just far enough into the story where I'm sure it's about to become even more interesting...

East of Excitement

I have mixed emotions about East of Eden thus far. I enjoyed the detailed imagery of the first chapter everyone seems to loathe and the sincere sentiment in the opening letter. I'm a sap for heartfelt anecdotes, so I really appreciated the box story. Also, I believe many people fear losing their memories, so Steinbeck's mention of characters forgetting both good times and bad struck home in my mind.

However, I am not enthralled quite yet. The hype intrigues me, but this isn't a gripping introduction. There are several elements of the writing I have particularly liked, but I wish I had some sense of plot.

I'm sure it's not five hundred pages worth of flowers, though. I'll be patient.