I can only describe the Harlaxton as "fairy tell like" and "whimsical". Wathcing masterpiece theater on PBS (since I was a child) has projected images of such grand castles passed down through super wealthy families, I never believed that one day I would ever dawn the steps of such a grand architectual monument. This building (Harlaxton) is enourmous in size and as a new arrivial I was very overwhelmed initaily. Throuh the course of the day (Tue. June 16, 2009) I began to explore the surrounding landscape (lawns, view the gardens, walking the long entrance drive way) and now I can imagine this place in the 1800s. The buildings exterior has not changed much but the interior has had to adapt to each landowner and has been manipulated and altered to fit each owners distinct taste. With that being said, I began to appriciate the landscaping on the grounds more because the land changes only with the seasons. I feel that just as I stood outside and gazed down the drive way along with my classmates, this land has seen this day many times (warm sun, beautiful flowers, green lawn, cool breeze, blue sky, white clouds).
I did not know what to expect at our stay in Harlaxton but where we are is amazing! Castles really do exsist and the greed and excisiveness of the rich (in the past and in modern times) is represented in this castle to me because the true mark of wealth and succes is traditionally measured in how much you can aquire. This ultimatley includes constructing huge homes to affirm to world that you are powerful. I have very conflicting feeling about money and wealth. W e all require money to increase our assets but to build such an extravegent home in a time of such great desparity and poverty is/was disguisting.
Harlaxton and it surrounding landscape inclines me to reflect upon a time period (1800s) in which I physically can never be a part of but invokes my imagination to fantisize many..What if(s) I lived during that time? The English culture during the 1800s and the present is foriegn to me but the endurance of social class syestem endures and is just as relevant into todays 21st century as is was in the past. But why....
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I agree that it is a little disconcerting to suddenly realize that you are participating in something you had once only imagined. In this particular case, you are the priviliged one, not the underclass. Isn't it interesting to suddenly realize your own power, even if it is only for a brief time? As a Resident of the Manor, last night, you ordered your coach, and with your (social) class mates, you went out on the town, and then were chauffered back to your manor house: you did exactly what those characters you read about did. And then when you got up this morning, other people, in uniforms, served your food and cleaned up after you. Interesting, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHi Thelma! I really enjoyed reading your reactions to the manor. I've given a lot of thought to the same concerns you have about wealth and power and ego. I even wrote a novel set at Harlaxton, exploring that whole theme. I think the ego is a double edged sword. It drives most of the action in this world, for good and for bad. The trick is to try to harness it for good as much as possible. I hope you keep learning and enjoy your trip. I'll be following along!
ReplyDeleteMike