Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Manipulation?
Through out book 2, of chapter 3 Harthouse puts his best effort into trying to win over Tom, so he can have a relationship with his sister Louisa. He believes that if he is capable of receiving acceptance from his very close "friend" Tom, then his sister Louisa will accept him as well, due to how close they are. As Harthouse butters up Tom, with his cravings (alcohol & tobacco) he begins to question him on the relationship that Bounderby and Louisa have. After many drinks, Tom eventually reveals how he begged Louisa into marring him for an easier lifestyle. So, as Harthouse finds out this information, he strategizes on how he can be with Louisa. He figures that if he can convince Tom into talking to his sister about being with him, then he'd have a more successful advantage. Why do you think I quoted the word "friend"? What is it's meaning behind the word?
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I believe the word friend used in this blog is a form of sarcasm. When he says that Tom is a close friend, he’s actually referring him to as bait to get to his sister. In this day, there are a lot of instances where people just use others to their advantage. In this book, Harthouse is using Tom to get to his sister and persuading their friendship by giving him his desires, cigarettes and alcohol. Tom is just a vey close connection to Louisa and is the easiest way to get to her. And what better way to do this then by getting someone drunk and overpowering them? Harthouse isn’t a true friend, he just a good liar.
ReplyDeleteThe word "friend" is quoted because the word is only implied, but its real meaning does not apply to this situation. A true friend would not take advantage of you and act a certain way just for self-benefit. Friends wouldn't strategize a way to manipulate you and take advantage of your weaknesses, especially tricking you into giving information that isn't meant to be shared. Harthouse definitely does not portray the traits of a good friend and merely pretends to be one by seeming to provide for Tom's cravings.
ReplyDeleteNow that you have posted this, I understand what this scene was about. When I first read it I couldn't comprehend it, but now I do. When you quoted the word "friend" I believe you are using it because Harthouse isn't interested in being friends with Tom. He's using to to manipulate his sisters thoughts about him. He knows his plan will work because Tom is the only person that Louisa loves, so he figures that if Tom accepts him, so will Louisa. I completely agree with what Anglica says about this topic. I like how she said that Harthouse believes he will "have a more successful advantage" if Tom accepts him because this is what I picture is going through his mind.
ReplyDeleteAngelica*
ReplyDelete