Flora Poste is the Anti-Emma
Posted by Cassia on April 20, 1998 at 14:50:47:
In response to Different motivations, written by Kay on April 19, 1998 at 14:10:03
] ] When I saw the movie of Cold Comfort Farm, there struck me as being something very "Emma-like" about her--the way she was arranging everyone else's life to her liking while ignoring things about herself that were obvious to others, etc.--(and not just because of Kate Beckinsale!)
] When I saw the movie, I thought that maybe Flora Poste was a "successful" "Emma" but now that I'm reading it, I see the different personality types. Flora isn't as much of an imaginist as Emma. She is down to earth, practical and her motivation is to tidy things up, rather than to build an ideal fanciful inner world. Flora Poste likes order more than anything else. I think she is an SF (sensing feeling) individual rather than Emma's NF (intuitive feeling). Flora is probably a "J" rather than a "P" as Emma is. Now is she an introvert or an extrovert? She seems outgoing, but she doesn't like parties!
] ]
When I have found a relative who is willing to have me, I shall take him or her in hand, and later his or her character and mode of living to suit my own taste. Then, when it pleases me, I shall marry.
] Is she being like Emma, or is she being a "modern" woman. Remember the time when this novel is written. "A Room of One's Own" had just recently been published.
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When I read CCF a couple years ago it occured to me that Flora Poste isn't a successful Emma, rather an anti-Emma. Flora reminds us of Emma due to their shared penchant for interfering in the lives of others but in other ways they are complete opposites or fun house mirror reflection of one another:
- Emma has a loving, although inconsequential parent, Flora is the orphraned daughter of people who don't seem to cared for her very much.
- Emma is devoted to her father, Flora couldn't care less.
- Emma's world revolves pretty much around Emma, Flora's attempts to push her to the side.
- Emma is rich, Flora is poor.
Can anyone think of any others?
They do share generousity, caring, and a good sense of humour.
Cassia
- Another difference and some similarities Kay 21:45:20 4/20/98
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- More similarities Barbara 23:24:26 4/20/98
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- More similarities Barbara 23:24:26 4/20/98
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- The main difference Cheryl 15:49:07 4/20/98
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