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 really don't know what I would be thinking. I probably would be excited at meeting a She-Wolf!
I really don't know what I would be thinking. I probably would be excited at meeting a She-Wolf!
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?
Not that I can think of.
Not that I can think of.
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 think it was romantic, but also sort of sudden to say that they were meant to be together because of a kiss....
I think it was romantic, but also sort of sudden to say that they were meant to be together because of a kiss....
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?
I think it shows that she is mature for her age and has a good grasp on life. She understands that physical death is the inevitable.
I think it shows that she is mature for her age and has a good grasp on life. She understands that physical death is the inevitable.
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?
Yes, I found her reasoning realistic. I hope I never have to find out if I could do the same.
Yes, I found her reasoning realistic. I hope I never have to find out if I could do the same.
I don't think it was just the kiss. He has been watching her & kind of feeling her out...like the dancing scene. The kiss--I think is more to see if she would respond to him equally as much.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it was just the kiss. He has been watching her & kind of feeling her out...like the dancing scene. The kiss--I think is more to see if she would respond to him equally as much.
ReplyDeleteMarcello feelings had definitely been growing for Gabi but I completely understand that his declaration of feelings after the first kiss would be a little scary...I probably would have ran or burst out laughing.
ReplyDeleteI think though that the whole culture of the time was pretty rushed as they didn't live for very long. So Marcello had to declare his love quickly. ha!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that Marcello's feeling have been growing over time...the kiss was just the culmination of the shuld we or shouldn't we phase!
ReplyDeleteLOL- yeah I think us 21st gals would be like Dude, it was a kiss, get real.....
ReplyDeleteBut for those guys back then, kissing was serious business!! I sometimes wish men would take things serious like that again...;)
I think a kiss can just bring forth more emotion...or maybe just hormones, lol.
ReplyDeletei'm thinking he was anticipating a response b/c he was hoping for her feelings to be expressed in her response...
ReplyDeleteMy hubs knew a missionary once that said, "You Americans have forgotten how to blush." I think it's so insightful, don't you? And does go toward Marcello equating so much with one kissing connection...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting answers for this week's WW!
The kiss- Life was so short and uncertain back then and I think Marcello just wanted to be with Gabi, someone he had a spark with that sparked back, and that he admired and was interesting. Let's face it Lady Rossi, other than being conniving isn't very interesting and doesn't have much to admire except her looks and wealth. And let's face it a lot happened during that week-it felt a lot longer than a week!!
ReplyDeleteHeather