Questions from [livejournal.com profile] sensefille

Jul. 16th, 2003 02:15 pm
castalia: (Sailor's Life)
[personal profile] castalia


1. Jeeves is a character shrouded in mystery. We know almost nothing about his life before coming to work for Bertie, apart from a few previous employers and a stint in the military. Who is Jeeves? How has he accumulated so much knowledge? Why does he know so much about the criminal trade (dognapping, using treacle and brown paper to break windows silently, etc.)? I'd like to hear what you have to say about your own question!

Oh my, let's see. Like most of you, I don't believe Jeeves is evil either, but he has the potential to be one of the great master criminals if only because of his intelligence. He seems to know everyone or at least of them, so it's conceivable he might have acquaintances in the criminal trade and acquired knowledge of certain things from them. I think he's an interesting dichotomy because although he's immensely smart and needs to keep his brain busy, he also seems to desire a very easy existence. He *likes* being a valet and goes out of his way to make sure that Bertie stays single so that Jeeves can stay in his employ. This way he gets to travel, enjoy the delights of the city, and live a highly comfortable existence. I'd never say he was lazy, but he does like the easy life :) And, even though we rarely hear his thoughts on the matter, I think he really does adore Bertie as much as we do.

2. What do you think happens to us when we die?

Well, as an Episcopalian I do believe in a Heaven. Exactly what that'll be like I'm not altogether certain, but I'd like to think it will include friends and family. Since we are supposed to be happy in Heaven, there will have to be huge libraries, lovely music, and intellectual stimulation or an equivalent thereof. I don't think I could be happy if there wasn't anything left to learn.

3. This is one I ask a lot: If you could live in any time and place, what would it be? Why?

Ah, this one always ties me in knots! Part of me would love to say England in the late 18th century during the Age of Sail. However, I'd have to make some changes so I could enjoy it and be a female at the same time. Similarly, I'd like to experience the Old West and the frontier. Victorian England is also tempting, for many many reasons. However, being a female, living now gives one the best options and I'd still say England. England at any time is appealing to me and I so want to live there.

4. I've been putting off reading Horatio Hornblower for quite some time, even though I keep intending to read it. Can you tell me something that will make me drop everything else I'm reading and go get that?

Well, honestly I'm not sure I can pimp the books to you as much as the series of movies. The Hornblower books are excellent in many respects (detail of the time period, ships, etc.), but they're not terribly strong on character and for that reason I'm not sure you'd like them. The Horatio in the books is very cold and not very likable, in my opinion. Ultimately, he's only interested in his career and duty. The Horatio on screen is so much better, because he is portrayed as a feeling human being. Instead, I'd recommend the Aubrey/Maturin series of books by Patrick O'Brian. O'Brian is even better at detail than Forrester, but he also is brilliant at character. He's even been compared to Jane Austen in that respect. His books are rich with development and full of lovely imagery and exciting action at sea, and are among my favorites ever.

5. You can only meet Hugh Laurie OR Stephen Fry. Who would it be, and why?

Only one? How cruel of you! :P It's a difficult decision, but I'd say Hugh. I think the man needs to know he has fans. I've read every article about him I can get my hands on, and I've rarely found anything I didn't like. It's tragic that a man with so many talents is so unsure of his worth and has such problems with depression. He's become my favorite comedian ever and I'd love to chat with him about anything. From what I've heard, he's extremely intelligent (he'd have to be, to be best friends with Stephen) and would likely have much to say on any topic.

Some of those were hard! Thanks for the great questions :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 12:29 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] viola-cesario.livejournal.com
Fun questions and answers:)

I want to read and see Horatio Hornblower now!!! :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 01:49 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Oh, I definitely recommend the Hornblower movies! They're very well made - the ships, the costumes, the sea battles, all very authentic looking. Plus, Horatio and his best friend Archie Kennedy are quite easy on the eyes ;)

Re:

Date: 2003-07-16 01:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] viola-cesario.livejournal.com
I love your icon!!!!!

Hmm, I wonder if I can get them from my library...

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 02:30 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Thanks! I couldn't resist the picture, they're too cute :)

Hm, I dunno. I couldn't find them anywhere in my city (but then, that's not surprising) and had to buy them. A&E shows them from time to time, so you might be able to catch it there.

Re:

Date: 2003-07-16 02:33 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] viola-cesario.livejournal.com
That is adorable. :)

Hmm, I don't get A&E, but maybe I will once I move.

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 02:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rosabuddatchery.livejournal.com
Nice answers, I particularly enjoyed your Jeeves explanation. :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 02:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
I'm glad it made sense! Fitting that I had so much trouble with my own question *g*

Re:

Date: 2003-07-16 03:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rosabuddatchery.livejournal.com
Made perfect sense. I don't think I'd be able to tackle the mysterious personality of Jeeves and be nearly as coherent about it. :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 09:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Oh, I'm sure he could spawn essays upon essays of character study. And I'd be interested in your take on him as well. Would you like to be "interviewed" along with the rest of us?

Re:

Date: 2003-07-17 09:29 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rosabuddatchery.livejournal.com
Sure thing; when I get back from my day's outing, I'll send you some questions. :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 04:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sensefille.livejournal.com
It's very satisfying to see your own questions answered very well. I loved reading this.

1. Great answer. Jeeves having criminal acquaintances...very intriguing idea. I had never thought of him liking the easy life before, but I think you're right. He must adore Bertie, because Lord knows he's smart enough to have gotten out of the situation if he desired it. What Jeeves wants, Jeeves gets.

2. That is my kind of Heaven! I think we'll continue to learn too. More than we could ever imagine.

3. I always come back to that too...the past looks so glamorous, but it was such a difficult time, especially for women.

4. I'll check out those Patrick O'Brian books. I'll probably read Hornblower eventually too, but I'm very anxious to see the series.

5. I agreed with everything you said. He would have been my choice too, for all the reasons you outlined. I wish he'd come on livejournal and read what we all write about him.

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 09:23 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
1. Exactly! Jeeves knows exactly how to manipulate a situation so that he gets what he wants, so we have to assume he likes where he is. And I didn't mention it before, but his habit of going ahead and getting rid of certain items in Bertie's wardrobe, or any other sort of premptive behaviour, shows he very confident about that sort of thing. He really does get away with a lot of liberties.

2. I hope so! I have a lot of questions :)

5. We'd probably scare the poor chap *g* I don't think he's at all used to any adoring masses. Now I'm really feeling motivated to go ahead and write him a fan letter.

Thanks for your questions, I really enjoyed answering them!

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 09:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sensefille.livejournal.com
1. Jeeves is quite the cheeky monkey. I bet that's why he stays with Bertie. Bertie is far too genial and kind-hearted to reign him in for long.

5. *sigh* Alas, we probably would scare him; you're right. We should both write letters. At least we'd know we did our part to boost his ego.

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 10:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Lol, very true! They really are a perfect pairing.

As to the letters, I think I will! He must have contact information somewhere online. Now, how to write so much praise and still sound intelligent and coherent...

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 10:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sensefille.livejournal.com
Yeah, I bet an address wouldn't be hard to find.

That's what's kept me from writing. I want to say something original and intelligent, but it's so hard to around such amazing people. I have to do it.

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-17 02:24 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Triumph! I found addresses for his theatrical agents, one for the UK and one for the US...

UK:
Hamilton Hodell
24 Hanway Street
London W1P 9DD
England

US:
William Morris Agency
151 El Camino Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
USA

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-17 03:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sensefille.livejournal.com
Great! I know what I'll be doing/thinking about this weekend.

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-18 03:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Me too! Aw, what an adorable pic of Hugh! Just love his curly hair :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-18 04:54 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sensefille.livejournal.com
He has that "want to run your fingers through" kind of hair.

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-18 10:00 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Oh yes, very well put! Hot when mussed :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 06:01 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ealgylden.livejournal.com
Aw, I love book!Horatio. He's such a melancholy, self-doubting mess, poor thing. Of course, in my case it helps that I read the books when I was, oh, fourteen or so. Impressionable, anyway. But don't get me wrong, I love the movies- how could I not? Movie!Horatio is lovely, and then there's Archie. Mmm. Yes indeedy.

I really like your Jeeves answer, too. Yup, yup, yup. ;)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-16 09:29 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Oh yes, the movies are just lovely. I happened on them while channel surfing one day, and the ships caught my eye. Then I noticed the eye candy as well and that was that :)

I think book!Horatio is admirable in ways, but not necessarily someone I'd want to know. I'm not sure he really ever loves anything - he treats both Bush and his wife like annoying yet necessary encumbrances. He's what the Horatio in the series would have been if he hadn't had Archie (every hero needs a friend, after all). For me, Ioan plays Horatio as a real person, a human being who does have feelings yet is still devoted to duty. Although I do wish we could have seen more of the self-doubt in the movie. Archie took the lion's share of that :)

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-17 06:28 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ealgylden.livejournal.com
But his wife is an annoying encumbrance. Heh, kidding. Well actually, no, not really- I feel bad for her, because Horatio never loved her and isn't a good enough liar to make her feel otherwise, but Maria bugs the heck out of me. Barbara's a bit annoying at times, but she's a billion times better than Maria.

I agree that he (book!Horatio) is overly devoted to duty, and rather cold because of it. I always think of his relationship with Bush as being relatively warm, but I think that's because the first thing that comes to mind are their interactions at the end of Lieutenant Hornblower, which are mostly from Bush's POV. His affection and worry for poor Horatio come through really well (the end of that book is so depressing), and that has colored my view of their relationship, for the better. My mental Horatio gets to reap the benefits of having caring friends.

Ioan plays Horatio as a real person, a human being who does have feelings yet is still devoted to duty.

He does, and that's why the stuff that was changed for the movies didn't bother me- the tradeoff was more than worth it. He's not quite the same Horatio, but he's wonderful anyway. And I agree that a lot of the difference is due to Archie- it works well for Horatio to have a peer and companion, particularly since he's naturally inclined to isolate himself. Archie is healthy for him. And cute and angsty and lovable and... heh. Um, yeah. *g*

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-18 03:07 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Lol! You're right, she is :) I do feel sorry for her as well, for the same reasons you mentioned. Any gesture Horatio makes towards her isn't exactly instinct, what with all the internal dialogue about "ok, now what's expected of me towards a wife in this situation?"

The closest he does get to warm is with Bush, although I think Bush has the stronger feelings when it comes to their friendship. Not completely one-sided, but not far from it either.

Definitely agree with you about Archie :) And I didn't have any quibbles with the translation to screen either. I'm not sure Horatio, as he is in the book, would transfer very well to the screen, and the internal dialogue would be hard to do without a voiceover.

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-18 05:40 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ealgylden.livejournal.com
all the internal dialogue about "ok, now what's expected of me towards a wife in this situation?"

That's it exactly! Great way to put it. And I agree with all the rest, too. I'm just sitting here nodding, "yup, yup." Looks like we're sharing a brain again. *g*

(no subject)

Date: 2003-07-18 10:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] castalianspring.livejournal.com
Heh heh. Great minds think alike, and all that. Just let me have an equal share of the brain cells ;)

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Castalia

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