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Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Waterfall Wednesday: Chapters 12-17

It's the third week of the Waterfall Read-Along, this week hosted by Joy and Serena from Edgy Inspirational Romance, talking about Chapters 12-17!


1. In Siena, on her way to the ball at Palazzo Pubblico, Gabi likened her experience to being on the red carpet at the Academy Awards, the goal being "to see and be seen." If you were a peasant, watching from the crowd, what would you be thinking as this procession passed by?

I would imagine that it really would be like seeing celebrities walk down the red carpet for the peasants in Siena. There was such a huge gap in wealth between the nobility and peasants at this time that I imagine the peasants would look upon the people in this procession, wearing the utmost highest quality clothing they could never dream of affording, in awe. Just like people idolize celebrities now.



2. Though quite nervous about dancing at the ball, Gabi discovers a strange feeling of connection to the time, the people, and the society through the unified beauty of the dance. Have you ever been in a position where you felt out of your element, but, in one, pinpointed moment, became a part of or connected to something bigger than your fear?

I often feel out of my element in many social situations because I am very shy but given time, I can will myself to open up a bit and enjoy myself.



3. The kiss. Oh, the kiss. When Marcello finally kisses Gabi, he believes the experience to be proof that they are meant to be together. What did you think about his assumption? Were you surprised at Gabi's reaction to it? Have you ever experienced a kiss that seemed to be prophetic in a similar (or opposite!) way?

I was taken aback by Marcello’s assumption that he and Gabi were meant to be together, based on a kiss alone, because they’ve only known each other for a week! This is modern-day-me thinking this and I think Gabi’s reaction is also a modern day teenage girl’s reaction. I think it was more normal in Marcello’s time to choose a beloved more quickly and with less deliberation.

No prophetic kisses for me. I have experienced something similar but it was through meaningful discussion instead of physical contact.



4. Many go through their teen years with a subdued sense of immortality. Do you think Gabi has a sense of this teen feeling? And did you think Gabi's converse observation, "Sometimes death came hunting and there was no way to cut it off at the pass." was informed more by the experience of losing her father, her self-admitted closet hypochondria, or the forced maturation of being transported to a different time? How does this observation show Gabi's growth as a character?

Wow, what an intelligent and well thought out question… I only wish I could provide a worthy answer. I will try.

I do believe Gabi has a sense of immortality about her. She springs into action and jumps into danger without much thought. That is not to say that her actions are completely indications of “this teen feeling”; I also think she is very brave and her actions are reflective of that.

I would think Gabi’s observation has largely to do with her experience of losing her father. It has been something she has been dealing with for a year and she is coming to terms with in Waterfall. Her acceptance of this means a loss of innocence in Gabi’s character; she is growing up.



5. In the span of a few moments, Gabi goes from sword-wielding teen beauty to man-killing warrior. Did you think her realization of the finality of death -- and her justification for its necessity -- was realistic? And, in her slippers, could you have done the same?

I couldn’t imagine ever having to kill anyone, even in a war situation, slippers or no slippers. Being responsible for ending someone’s life, someone who loved and was loved by others, is not an experience I would ever want to have. Then again, I’ve never been in Gabi’s situation, killing to protect Marcello and Luca and terrified for her sister’s life at the hands of a mad man. So mayhap that reaction is a realistic one.

16 comments :

  1. Great answers! I loved this book and I agree with all your observations, especially the last one. I don't think I could kill someone but then again, I haven't been in a position to protect a friend. That one question was quite the intellectual question indeed... I barely comprehended it! You had great answers, I should join this, it looks like fun and I absolutely adored the book <3 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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  2. Fantastic answers! I think today we are more skeptical about instant love but I think back then with the circumstances I think it is more believable :)

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  3. Great answers. I love how she stepped to the plate for her sister :)

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  4. This is modern-day-me thinking this and I think Gabi’s reaction is also a modern day teenage girl’s reaction. I think it was more normal in Marcello’s time to choose a beloved more quickly and with less deliberation."

    Exactly! That's what I think too, we're a bit more skeptical about love today especially at that age, but for Marcello and everyone else in that time period, decisions are made quickly because they have to be. Time is short:)

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  5. I completely agree that I would be taken aback my Marcello's assumption. I know he has growing feelings for her...but come on. He could tell they were meant to be together off of one kiss. It definitely wouldn't hold up in our modern world.

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  6. Good answer to #5. I like to think that I would go all "she-wolf" on someone if they threatened my family, but I wonder if I really would. I guess I don't want to find out!

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  7. Love your answers, Aylee. I think you're right about them jumping on a beloved a lot quicker back then. I guess coming from an arranged marriage like Marcello was, the idea of choosing someone based on attraction probably would seem a lot more thought out in terms of actual love and not just politics.

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  8. I absolutely agree that Gabi's reaction is a modern one, I personally would run a mile if I faced that kind of reaction!

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  9. I've never been in Gabi's situation either in question 5...I'm not sure how I would act.

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  10. **"No prophetic kisses for me. I have experienced something similar but it was through meaningful discussion instead of physical contact."**

    This exactly!!

    ♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf

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  11. I've had those meaningful discussion connections before and the feel always gives me a great buzz!

    And I agree with your number 5. I'd have a hard time getting myself to even think about ending someone's life.

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  12. Wonderful answers! And in regard to the kiss in week #1....look at all that happened that week! Doesn't it feel more like a month?? Did to me, anyway.

    Thanks VERY much for taking part in WW. I appreciate you!

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  13. Aylee - You and I concur on #5, I don't think I could take another person's life.

    I'm glad to hear you give yourself a chance and put yourself out there. Being a social introvert, I do know that's the only way to gain more comfort (if there is such a thing) in social situations.

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  14. Man, I had a great comment to make and just forgot it! So I'll just say I enjoyed reading your answers!

    Heather

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  15. Same here. I was surprised by Marcello's reaction too but then again, they were married pretty young back then because most people didn't really live too long.

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  16. Thanks for stopping by everyone. I loved reading your comments!

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