Another foray into non-fiction for the South Down Book Worms. Here are the discussion questions for Wedlock by Wendy Moore for our meeting in Horsham on Tuesday 14th June 2011.
1. Is this a ‘Georgian misery-memoir? How would you classify the genre, and how did you enjoy the reading?
2. Is opening with the duel between Andrew Robinson Stoney and Henry Bate effective? How do you respond to the narrative style and structure of the account?
3. Why did Mary marry the ninth Earl of Strathmore?
4. “In all Mary’s relationships – with lovers and friends, servants and acquaintances – money would always cloud a person’s true motives.” To what extent does this affect Mary's judgements?
5. How did you react to the revelation from Mary herself that she was not fond of her three sons, had an ‘unnatural dislike’ of her eldest son, and favoured her daughters? Or her four abortion attempts whilst in the ‘adulterous’ relationship with Gray?
6. How was Andrew Robinson Stoney represented by the biographer? What of his first marriage to Hannah Newton?
7. The changing views of marriage in the 19th century as outlined by Moore are attributed to the rise of the novel, and the representation of an unrealistic emotional ideal to replace the ‘marketplace’ imperative for marriage. Is this a fair historical depiction?
8. Is the portrayal of Mary Eleanor Bowes ultimately a sympathetic one? Or did she bring her misfortunes on herself?
9. How do Mary Eleanor’s connections with our royal family influence your reading?
10. How significant was the biography's context, within the Age of Enlightenment, to your reading of the text?
11. Mary Eleanor endured eight years of almost unspeakable abuse and torment at the hands of her second husband. Why did she not confide in anyone until Mary Morgan?
12. During the eighteenth century, women met in literary salons like the famous blue-stocking club and some women enjoyed success in writing poetry and especially novels. How does literature play a role—then and now—in empowering women? Can literary gatherings or reading groups help in emancipating—or subverting—women?
