Today in the poets' corner at Westminster Abbey Prince Charles laid a wreath on the grave of Charles Dickens to celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the writer's birth.The wreath was of white roses and snowdrops. It sounds lovely. But what would a Victorian have made of such a choice? They knew all about the language of flowers, indeed, they had a word especially for it - 'floriography'. A carefully chosen gift of flowers provided a means of communicating emotions that could not be spoken out loud. White roses represented virtue and chastity and snowdrops meant consolation or hope.
Doesn't sound remotely suitable for Charles Dickens!
There have been a number of television dramatizations in recent years. I particularly enjoyed the production of 'Our Mutual Friend' with its murky opening scene on the River Thames. 'Bleak House' was equally good, with a riveting performance from Gillian Anderson as Lady Dedlock, (oh, those fabulous names!) Gillian triumphed again as Miss Haversham in a recent production of 'Great Expectations'. It is my favourite Dickens book, but this was not my favourite production. The actor playing Pip was impossibly handsome, he had been far more appropriately cast, some years earlier, as Oscar Wilde's young squeeze. By contrast the actress playing Estella had neither beauty nor magnetism. And, for goodness sake, THEY MUCKED ABOUT WITH THE ENDING! Dickens wrote two endings for this book as it was, isn't this enough for anyone!I much preferred the 1999 production by Tony Marchants. It had a fantastic cast, Ioan Gruffold played the adult Pip and Justine Waddell was Estella. Charlotte Rampling was a memorable Miss Haversham.
If anyone out there hasn't read 'Great Expectations' then I suggest that you give yourselves a treat, read it first and then follow up with Peter Carey's, 'Jack Maggs', a wonderful Australian riposte to Victorian England. Hurray for Magwich!
Gillian Anderson as Miss Haversham.
I first read Great Expectations in eighth grade I believe. I have enjoyed it several times since, but maybe it is time I picked it up again. I love revisiting classics with a few (hum...several) years behind me. Everything is a bit different. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteYes, it's fascinating just what you remember and what you forget - not to mention the bits that you completely mis-remember!
DeleteDear Rosemary - the wreath does sound lovely, especially in winter, but I am finding it difficult to think of the correct choice, what would you have chosen?
ReplyDeleteWhite lilac for memories, white poppies for peace and dreams, a few bumble bee orchids for industry and, of course, some sprigs of rosemary for remembrance! Although perhaps there should also be coral roses for passion and desire.
DeleteGood choice, I especially agree with the ‟Rosemary" she should always be there!
Deletevery interesting post. Great Expectations is a book I read so many years ago that I think I sould re-read it... and you are right about the flowers!
ReplyDeleteI recommend 'Jack Maggs' with its alternative story of Magwitch's return to London.
Deleteyou know so much about flowers rosemary. i would not have a clue about what would have been proper.
ReplyDeletealso, i better get to reading great expectations it's been a long while since i read it! xo janet
I just have a head that's full of rather useless information - important things go in one ear and out of the other!
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