Mary and Cobb and other characters

[DSaff]

I really like the characters we have met so far, and would like to meet them. 

Mary - I love her vigor for life. Each moment is precious and she has learned to fill them. The things that are important to her are worth learning about, and she shares that knowledge with those around her. I think she is also afraid of the future because of the disease, but focuses on getting better at things like teaching and telling stories. I really like her character.

Cobb - This man is not afraid of taking risks, but does have a healthy fear of things he should fear. The river and camping in the cold are things that have harsh sides, and he has a very healthy respect for that. He also respects other people, which shows as he meets the other characters in the book. Cobb loves fiercely and completely. I think he is probably a very good teacher and someone people trust. (i.e. the boy at school whose friend killed himself) I like him very much.

Chungamunga girls - I don't pity them, but I feel for them. Each is a bright star burning out too quickly, but the program on the water gives them a place to be real. I love Myrtle, and we can learn to give our all and be honest, from her.

Wally and the counselors offer opportunity, safety, and a place to be for each of the girls. They are selfless and giving. Great people for the program. Giving back is what it is all about.

My favorite minor characters are probably Annie and John. Their way of life is something that totally appeals to me. Imagine having all winter to read! <grin> Their life is simple and full of love. They make a great stopping place for weary travelers.

[Peppermill]

I like Wally and she brings as a minor character, not only interest, but as a narrator to tell the background of girls, Mary and others.

Bedelia -- thanks for that insight into Monninger's story telling techniques.

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Bedelia wrote:

I think Mary and Cobb were "made for each other" and suit each other like a cup and saucer.  They have a common life style and interests.  Mary has more whimsy and imagination, but Cobb easily goes along yet brings a touch of reality too.  Each has needs that the other seems to fill.

I think since they are teachers and used to being around many different younger people they then accept the younger ones more easily than others might.  Their jobs have kept them from growing away from the world of the young.

I like Wally and she brings as a minor character, not only interest, but as a narrator to tell the background of girls, Mary and others.  She is also wise council to Cobb and his growing relationship with Mary.  What she talks to Mary about we don't know, but she seems very supportive.

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[mv5ocean]

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How well are Mary and Cobb suited to each other?

They both are looking to fulfill themselves by the canoe trip for different reasons. They both enjoy nature and history and have similar jobs.

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[CharminKB]

It is obvious by their relationship that Mary and Cobb are very much suited for each other.  They both seem to be caring, nurturing, spiritual (in the nature sense) people - which is also why they both seem to be very accomplished, admired teachers. 

We know that adventure brought them both to the river.  Cobb to follow the path of Thoreau and Mary to meet with the Chugamunga girls.  But could fate have also brought them there?  Some believe there is a right time and place (as well as the wrong time and place) - I would like to believe that fate brought them to that place at that time.  Mary herself even marveled at the chances of them meeting.  So the question is, would they have come together under other circumstances?  Personally, I think fate paved the road and there would never have been any other circumstances. 

Wally - oh Wally.  What a great character!  We know that Wally is loving, caring, selfless, and just an absolute wonderful person (bear??) with a little humor and "roughness" to balance.  She reminds me of an older sister that is always there looking out for you - someone you always feel safe with - and someone you would always welcome the company of.

[CharminKB]

Nice notice of the suicide!!  Good point!

[kch]

I think that Mary and Cobb are pretty well suited to each other---at least physically at this point . They are both teachers,good caring teachers (not all are) so they work well with the Chungamunga girls they understand the needs of learners. Mary's story telling shows that. They both like to help others find their way---

I think under other circumstances they would have come together too...this way even though circumstances had to be perfect, they were still thrown together in an intimate way.

Wally is special and her profession as an Anthropologist give her insights into the way people think, what shapes them. She gives some very special girls what they need to continue in lives that will be far from perfect.

No favorite minor characters at this point---there are a couple later.

[nymazz]

Mary and Cobb

I believe Mary and Cobb would have come together no matter how they met.  Marys condition is the reason it is moving fast, she thinks her quality time is limited and she is not going to waste time playing it cute or being shy about her feelings which she admits are very strong. 

I think Cobb was searching for something and used Thoreau as a reason to take the sabbatical, he admits at one point 'why bother researching a writer who has been researched to death?' And questions if another appraisal is needed.

I also liked Sarah, we don't know to much about her but I think she genuinely wanted to hear Cobbs story.

[mgorbatjuk]

I like Mary and Cobb. They are each quirky in their own way which makes them a good pair. I like the people they have met so far and can see why they've met them on this adventure.

[girlie0620]

I believe things happen for a reason....so would Mary and Cobb have met if not at that time at the river- maybe? Cobb goes to the river looking for "something" and Mary, even though she lives each day like it is her last has not yet experienced some of life's greatest moments. So- she is also looking for something- she just is not conscious of that. I think they are attracted to each other intellectually and physically. Their conversations are intense and honest so I think that factor's into the attraction. The fact they are both teachers and highly educated supports that.

I think they complement each other on the story- 

Wally is fabulous- she is a mother figure, a friend and orchestrates magnificent things for the girls-

The girls are great- I felt their excitement and their zest. To be young and in that position and LIVE life. Wow.,   

[Lildove3]

Mary and Cobb were destined to meet, it's almsot like they are soul mates.

Teachers are always thriving on learning and passing on information, which make Mary and Cobb well

informed type people.

Yes, they would have came together, they share a great deal of likes, especially for the outdoors.

Wally, she is a very interesting person, I would enjoy her company and listen to her stories for sure.

[JillinOH]

I really liked Mary's mother. I admire her for giving Mary the freedom to live her life how she choses and not judging or hovering over her. That would be very difficult.

[sconcannon]

I think the fact that Mary and Cobb are both teachers helps their relationship with the children,  Their romance is that that fairy tales are made of...love at first sight, Cobb wanting to be with Mary no matter what, their understanding of each other.  Their meeting was that of coincidence, but then thats how many people meet.  While their relationship seems to move beyond quickly it is almost a relationship of urgency like the urgency with which the chungamunga girls life their lives. When I say urgency I mean the want  to live life to its fullest and not to waste one minute.  Mary's relationship with Cobb is like the way way she lives.. quick and without abandon.  Perhaps unrealistic but still romantic.

[spaz_k7]

Some people have mentioned not liking Mary or thinking she was annoying and weird but I think she is a great character. She possesses many strong characteristics and lives her life to the absolute fullest. Even without knowing about Mary's disease I thought she was just very optimistic and overall a happy person. I definitely am one to talk to strangers so I don't think her noticing Cobb and inviting him over is weird at all.

As for Cobb being immediately attracted to her, I don't find that out of place either. I have met many people that I am automatically attracted to because of they way they project themselves and many people say that about me as well without even knowing me. So I think their experience is similar. And although I wonder if it's really true love, I think Cobb cares for Mary deeply, so much that he seems to have already accepted her death in the beginning scene and have no regrets for his time with her.

[Sunltcloud]

The world is made up of many different types of people. Some present themselves, for whatever reason, in strange ways when first encountered. I travel a lot, meeting people I wouldn't meet at home, and often it occurs to me how much wisdom, fun, knowledge, and good will I would miss out on if I kept to myself. Mary seems witty, knowledgeable, caring, and offbeat. I would love to meet her.

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nicole21WA wrote:

I'm curious about what others think of Cobb's immediate interest in Mary.  I, for one, think it's a bit odd.  When they meet, she asks if he's a bear and is always going on about crows.  I think I would've thought Mary was a little too nutty and just gone on my way!  Now that he knows all about the "Chungamunga Girls" and her potential illness, it's more understandable for him to be with her; there's an explanation for her behavior.  But I don't think I ever would've got far enough in conversation to find that out.  Yes, that would be my loss since she seems like a decent person, but that's the truth of it.

I also wonder what the school is going to think when Cobb returns (assuming he does, I haven't read past our selection) and hasn't really done the Thoreau journey that got him approved for the sabbatical.

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[dclement04]

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sifu-hotman wrote:

How well are Mary and Cobb suited to each other?

I think not so well. Their lack of love experience makes their quick expression of love for each other not very believable. Not saying they don't believe in it themselves, but it makes me think would they really have attached themselves this quickly if they had known love before and weren't just lonely? 

It's like agreeing to marry the first person who asks you, sort of thing. It's just the two of them there alone. No other attractive men or women to compare to. Would they still have chosen each other had there been more competition? I won't believe it's real until there's more obstacles for them to get past. 

How do their lives as teachers shape them as people?

bit dull?

Would they have come together so easily in any other circumstances?

I very much doubt it. Not only because of what I said above but also because they're not very stand out sort of individuals. In a crowd they wouldn't be noticeable.

How would you describe Wally and what we know of her so far?

I like her. She's by far the most interesting character in the book so far. And she's also the one who gave the story a little push by what she said to Cobb.

Do you have any other favorite minor characters?

can't think of anyone.

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sifu-hotman, I think you are a little pessimistic but that's just my opinion! 

[dclement04]

Mary and Cobb are by far the characters we have come to know deeply so far. How would you describe each of them, and what has brought each of them to the river.

Mary is a strong woman, knowing herself and what she is capable of. She lives each day as its her last so she is not afraid to take risks;she may be hesitant at first with some things but then jumps right in. 

Cobb is a man on a mission but then is surprised when he connects with this wonderful spirit Mary. His mission dealing with Thoreau kind of takes the passenger seat once he meets Mary. I don't think either of them knew they could meet the loves of their lives.

How well are Mary and Cobb suited to each other? This is the type of love that people wish they had and anyone who doesn't say so is in denial. Everyone wants to be loved at some point in their life and I expect that if people had a chance to love they would want it to be as passionately as Mary and Cobb. So YES I think they are well suited for each other.

Would they have come together so easily in any other circumstances?

 Yes i believe that if this was fate that brought them together they would have met eventually anywhere.

Do you have any other favorite minor characters? Myrtle I think is very wise for her age and I think she even might be an older soul just living in a child's body. Hopefully she will be around in the book later. She has good stuff to say.

[Lisa1971]

Mary and Cobb are by far the characters we have come to know deeply so far. How would you describe each of them, and what has brought each of them to the river.

Both Characters are on a quest to find a piece thats missing in them! They seem to both realize that there is more out there than their career! I think that they seem to want to believe that it could be each other but yet are scared to truly giver way to these feelings.

How well are Mary and Cobb suited to each other?

 I'm think that because they are in some ways are both mirror identical and yet in others polar opposite makes this very interesting.

How do their lives as teachers shape them as people?

I find that being teachers gives them a very compassionate and intriguing edge.

Would they have come together so easily in any other circumstances?

I think that they would have come together anyways.But, I don't Know of they would be so compatible

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How would you describe Wally and what we know of her so far?

I find Wally to be one of my favorite characters of all!!!

Do you have any other favorite minor characters?

[Vermontcozy]

My first impression of Cobb and how I would describe him.Someone that I would like,intelligent,compassionate,and a seeker.he knows that there is more to his life,and he just wants to explore possibilities....he had planned his trip for about a year,to follow in Thoreau's footsteps across the Allagash River and beyond.....Mary has the same wonderful attributes,her Journey will take her back to see the Chungamunga Girls,re-connect with them,Wally and of course the natural environment that she craves......Surprisingly,they are well suited for each,not once did I feel that it was a forced relationship.They truly fit well together,it can happen,it does happen.Both being teachers....Natural for both of them to like and accept the "girls",wanting to be mentors,which I know they are in their separate lives with their students.,natural curiosity..Could they have met under other circumstances?..Not really,it could happen ,I guess.One of them could've been a visiting teacher,or meet at a conference.This really was to me Ideal,but not unrealistic,not idealistic,It can and does happen in life.......Wally,as I know her now is the glue that holds it all together,so for now  that's how I feel,maybe more information later on........I think I like John and Annie,and Ranger Joan.For now  Vtc...

[rosia408]

I am thinking that Mary and Cobb and characters that are well suited to each other, but am not sure if they would have been had they met under different circumstances. I guess it is an example of how fate plays a role in our lives. There is much about them that is so similar, both being teachers, loving nature.

I love the character of Wally, She is so nurturing and protective when it comes to the Chungamunga girls, and especially Mary. She accepts Cobb into Mary's life.

Favorite minor characters? I really like Cobb's dad although he doesn't come into the book for some time yet.

[freelamp]

Mary and Cobb have a mutual love of nature and they are both teachers so the attraction between them seems comfortable from the beginning.  I love how the slow pace at the start is evident in the writing style, in the river, in their meeting, and in their sharing information.  By knowing what will happen to Mary, it puts the ending on the back-burner, so to speak, and I can concentrate on who the characters are and where they are in the present.  So far, a lovely story.