I agree with Jon, Mrs. Norval is just stupid-she is someone who clings onto every word of her beloved. She is so deep in love with Mr.Hackwell that she is willing to throw herself at his feet and follow his unreasonable biddings. She is quite a weak woman. Time to move onto who the REAL villain is....MR.HACKWELL! I actually feel sorry for Mrs.Norval with the way Mr.Hackwell plays with her mind and uses her unconditional love to his advantage. It was even more sickening to learn of his twisted plans to force Lola into marrying him and doing whatever it takes to prevent Julian from marrying her. "The dark demons and hideous monsters, the untamed, ferocious beasts of passions, the poisonous reptiles, and repulsive, crawling things of wicked propensities and sinful desires..." It was creepy how Ruiz de Burton describes in detail his innermost feelings and the extent of his jealousy. "He thought the man could be no other than Julian, and, as the thought flashed on his brain, he instinctively carried his hand to his breast pocket, where a little pistol lay always ready." What a psychopath!!!
This second half of the novel was definitely a much more interesting read because the story really picked up and it felt as if I was watching dramatic television program. Throughout the last half of the novel I awaited anxiously for the sinful ex-priest to receive his well-deserved punishment. However, the final confrontation between Julian and Mr.Hackwell was not as explosive or exciting as i had highly anticipated. I have about 10 pages left to read before i finish the novel and i hope that we have more closure about what happened to Mr.Hackwell and i hope that Julian and Lola finally get that happy ending together!
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We've already commented on Ruiz de Burton's criticism regarding the government, war, and American Society. I find it funny we haven't commented on her criticism of religious institutions. The Catholic faith is sort of on the sidelines, and is important to Lola's family....Lola is very devout. But the Protestants....in her portrayal of the ex-Reverend Hackwell, Burton is extremely critical. In a funny way, she actually manages to describe the "religious leader", who is supposed to be holy, in the same terms used to describe Satan himself...a possessed demon, and greedy and jealous destructor. Ruiz de Burton has a bit of a holier-than-thou attitude...a very strong sense of morality.
We've seen our fair share of hypocritical religious leaders these days(after all, they are human too)....I guess this has always been an issue. Her portrayal of Hackwell, and to a lesser extent, Hammerhard, are pretty obvious shots at religious institutions.
very good point both of you. I think Ruiz de Bruton wants to show the connection between religion and power as well. To have a true democracy, you can't have religion being a part of it. I think Bruton also wants to show the corruption within the circle of the ones who hold religious powers. who guide the society and who are trusted and valued by the society.
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