I updated it with information on how they used candles. And with information on the language of flowers.
Cranford is an amazing period piece that spans a couple of years somewhere around 1843 in the small market town of Cranford in the North West of England.
Change is on the cusp, but not everyone is ready or greeting it with open arms.
It makes one very grateful for the advances we have in medical practices, not the least of which is anesthesia.
And it gives one a slight grasp of what it must have been like to have lived during this time frame.
One interesting thing was how they used candles. The two elder sisters and their niece (I think she was their niece) sit by the fire with two candles on the mantle. When the one candle got shorter than the other, they lit the second candle and blew out the first. When they had unexpected guests, they quickly lit both candles, so as not to look so frugal -- and the person commented on 'how bright' it was -- it was very dim! Later, it is touching to see them be the first to offer their household candles so that the new doctor can perform an operation at night, so that a limb can possibly be saved (it was) vs. amputation. The old doctor wanted to amputate thinking that was the only way to save his life.
Ah, sweet electricity! Do we half appreciate it!
It has everything: poachers; servants; clerks; storekeepers; relationships galore; heart break; sorrow; joys and happiness; births and deaths; misunderstandings with dire consequences -- and those who gossip, but not maliciously.
We recognize the actors and actresses from other pieces and they seem like old friends already. Judy Dench, Michael Gambon, Eileen Atkins, Imelda Staunton.
And it doesn't take long before we care about all the members of the community -- even the lady of the manor who has sorrows of her own.
I was touched by the acceptance of one's life on the part of the elderly women, without any bitterness or lack of joy in other's happiness. To see some things come full circle (some lost love remains lost, but some lost love is found -- and some love is found that didn't appear possible.
I was touched by the portrayal of the elder sister...the lady of the manor...the clerk...the friends who rally to the aid of Miss Maddie...
I was perhaps most touched by the servant girl, played to perfection by the same actress that marries Mr. Collins in Pride and Prejudice.
This is a little slice of life wherein each person is portrayed through a glass that puts the best outlook on any foibles. Quite a nice town to live in, especially for the age. But a very hard life in many respects. I'm glad I watched it, but would likely not watch it again.
Another fun thing is that they use the language of flowers which is the basis for Bookgirl's designs (Inky Productions).
Have you seen it?
Karin
Buy the Book: Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
Originally posted 2009-06-26 11:47:57.
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