Meridia

[Deltadawn]

wow I love that connection that you made with the movie, "Beautiful Mind!"

[Sassy398]

In Meridia's youth there was no compassion shown to her by either parent, if it weren't

for her private nurse and maids she would not have any knowing of what affections were.

As a child,it was lonely and cold, but when she became an adult she learned alot on her own. Meridia was a shy child until she was old enough to attend school, that is when she

basiclly learned to become strong and servive.

Luckily, she discovered Daniel and learned how to love another, as for his family they

seem rather nice, but unfortunately this is all strange for Meridia.

I was not surprised about Gabriel and Ravenna's response to Meridia's relationship to Daniel,they in a strange way were trying to protect her.

[vivico1]

Hey Cat,

Good to see you too. I notice something about how Eva treats the two girls, see what you think about this. Or anyone, tell me if it seems this way to you. Malin is a snot, spoiled beyond belief and able to act anyway she wants. Permony is treated like Cinderella by her stepmother! And I noticed something in the play with the figurines and how Eva and Malin treat Permony. They both belittle Permony, talk badly to her when she accidently breaks one, has her just shaking (to Malin's delight) as she handles them at all now BUT for all the meanness and screaming on Malin's part about them being broken, both she and Eva "let" Permony touch them still! I feel she is being set up. And the game, what a weird game, Malin points to one and Permony gets to clean it??? And then to another and so on. And Meridia is wondering what kind of game is this! You know what it felt like to me? Eva expects Malin to grow up to be pampered and endulged in life but this game is like they are playing house and Permony is the maid ! It is like they are grooming Malin for the pampered life where she will run the house just like Eva, and they are grooming Permony to be a maid, nothing more! Like she is not worth any more and won't get it so get used to it. And poor little Permony does what she is told, bows her eyes as she should, feels badly for "wrongs" she has done and is already the perfect little obedient servant!

I really feel for Permony and if I were Meridia, I would so take this little one under my wing, even if i had to do it secretly. I think I would really be leary of Eva now, from this very first meeting and that Daniel thinks its ok would set off alarms in my head like crazy!

There is a reason Eva treats these girls so differently and usually its because of something between the husband and wife, like one is not their's but no one knows it yet and so the one who is hers is favored. Or maybe Permony reminds Eva of herself as a child in some way that she can't stand seeing now. I really do think there is something, a "night with a flash of light" that has formed how this mother relates to the two girls, just as there was one surrounding Meridia. So now, what is it? What happened in the generations of Meridia's and Daniel's parent's youth that has formed how they are treating this generation? Both families seem to have ghosts from the past and I worry that Meridia has exchanged one set for another.

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HannibalCat wrote:

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vivico1 wrote:

In a world of ghosts and mists and moving staircases, and parents who either have such self loathing they can't love her or maybe they just don't know how to anymore, Meridia is either one strong child (since she has no siblings to love or depend on either) or she is a child gone mad and has created a world of fantasy in which she can explain her invisibility by living among the truly invisible, i.e. the ghosts and Hannah. I don't know yet, but I do think, as with some children who are really alone, her curiosity is her saving grace from all of this. She is so terribly sheltered tho from the world, and not in good ways unfortunately, that to find out about the world, I think she really needed Hannah to get her started! Hannah, whether she is a ghost or an imaginary friend (and even I thought she was real until you find out she's not there! wow), was the force that got Meridia to go places that she probably always wanted to but never had the nerve to alone. She wasn't alone with Hannah. And then by getting out, becoming used to it, then even without Hannah, she is able to find Daniel. She may never have met him otherwise.

I am leary of Daniel tho. After Hannah become "unreal", I first wondered if Daniel was even real OR was he a ghost with not the best of intentions. To me, because of the initial cat and mouse play they did, but mostly because of how she felt when she was in a place he just was, it was more than just the magic of one's first love, but there was a feeling of forboding to me that I just can't shake. Something just seems a bit off.

One last thought here tho, Meridia, for whatever is going on with her or who she is, in this book, she is my Hannah. She is taking me places that I am not accustomed to but I am willing to follow along with her to the things she can show me too, for as long as she can.

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Hi Vivico, glad to see you here. I can't agree with you more. There is so much going on in that little girl's head! I have so many questions about her and what she is really seeing. Thy mystical is so much a part of her story.

I wonder about Daniel and his family. Why is Persimony so abused, and why does Daniel sit by and allow it? I am concerned for Meridia as she is so taken by the family that she does not really question what is going on with the two girls. I can't see most mothers allowing such behavior of one sibling to another. Even if one is clumsy. I would be most suspicious of this "loving" family.

So, just as you said, I will travel along with Meridia to see where she goes. I am most curious.

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[DSaff]

I agree that there is a fiendish game going on and Permony is the butt of the jokes. She is being set up to fail, then is belittled, I think, to break her will to be more than the younger sister. And yes, Malin sits around acting like the presumptive queen. Pampered? It would seem so. In comes Meridia. She obviously likes Permony and becomes her friend with a wink and a grin. Maybe she identifies with Permony, but she obviously likes her. Now Meridia enters the "family." Where does she fit in taking over the house? Will she and Daniel actually get their own home? There is so much more to his family than meets the eye.

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vivico1 wrote:

Hey Cat,

Good to see you too. I notice something about how Eva treats the two girls, see what you think about this. Or anyone, tell me if it seems this way to you. Malin is a snot, spoiled beyond belief and able to act anyway she wants. Permony is treated like Cinderella by her stepmother! And I noticed something in the play with the figurines and how Eva and Malin treat Permony. They both belittle Permony, talk badly to her when she accidently breaks one, has her just shaking (to Malin's delight) as she handles them at all now BUT for all the meanness and screaming on Malin's part about them being broken, both she and Eva "let" Permony touch them still! I feel she is being set up. And the game, what a weird game, Malin points to one and Permony gets to clean it??? And then to another and so on. And Meridia is wondering what kind of game is this! You know what it felt like to me? Eva expects Malin to grow up to be pampered and endulged in life but this game is like they are playing house and Permony is the maid ! It is like they are grooming Malin for the pampered life where she will run the house just like Eva, and they are grooming Permony to be a maid, nothing more! Like she is not worth any more and won't get it so get used to it. And poor little Permony does what she is told, bows her eyes as she should, feels badly for "wrongs" she has done and is already the perfect little obedient servant!

I really feel for Permony and if I were Meridia, I would so take this little one under my wing, even if i had to do it secretly. I think I would really be leary of Eva now, from this very first meeting and that Daniel thinks its ok would set off alarms in my head like crazy!

There is a reason Eva treats these girls so differently and usually its because of something between the husband and wife, like one is not their's but no one knows it yet and so the one who is hers is favored. Or maybe Permony reminds Eva of herself as a child in some way that she can't stand seeing now. I really do think there is something, a "night with a flash of light" that has formed how this mother relates to the two girls, just as there was one surrounding Meridia. So now, what is it? What happened in the generations of Meridia's and Daniel's parent's youth that has formed how they are treating this generation? Both families seem to have ghosts from the past and I worry that Meridia has exchanged one set for another.

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[KimberlyH]

 I think there is a great description on page 35 of how the outside world sees Meridia.  “her inability to blend with the rites of the schoolyard”, “radiated Ravenna’s air of solitude” , “attractive” & “see seemed to project no need for them”.  Through reading about her, I found her understanding that her life was different and showing defiance when wanting to know why.  She was curious and fun loving with Hanna – acting as a normal child. 

The only real warmth and affection that Meridia may have seen was from the nurse.  I imagine that these were guarded feelings on behalf of the nurse, and even she was a bit strange – dressing Meridia in a bundle to go on her short walks. 

Any child growing up in that environment, I would think of her as strong in her ability to take care of her own emotional and physical needs from day to day.  However, I find her weak in the abilities needed to navigate and understand the complexities of the world around her.

 The heighten smell of a person, the over excitement in being in the space where that person once was, stealing glances – these are things that I am sure we all have experienced when love or “smitten” shows up at our door.  Meridia has all of these plus those extra magical adventures that seem to follow her right out of the house.  I started to question at this point if she was the source of all of the odd happenings in the house or if they were just following her.   

 Daniel’s family seems very polished on the outside, but I cannot help feeling that there is rottenness on the inside.   A first the match looked as if it would be a dream come true.  The dream wedding, gifts & honeymoon night.  It turned odd when the mother explained about how Meridia could only keep some gifts, and that she, the mother, had decided what those were to be.  Also, the last lines in the section for this review (I had to work very hard not to go on) said “At that moment Meridia began to understand her standing in the family.” Page 89  This was after an apron had been tied on her.

The reactions from Meridia’s parents on her relationship with Daniel were very interesting.  Ravenna quickly turned it into a discussion, if you could call it that, about life wasted with Gabriel. 

[USwede16]

The budding relationship that Meridia develops with Daniel is full of magical

properties--how do those fantastical elements describe what early romance is really like?

The magical properties in Meridia and Daniel's relationship symbolizes the magic that is felt when falling in love. The diction that is used to describe the relationship supports this idea because the author uses positive diction throughout the beginning of this relationship.

[LISA-BRYAN]

I find it interesting that the name Meridia means center or middle --- Meridia seems to be the cental figure in Of Bees and Mist

[hookedonbooks09]

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LoBugs wrote:

I guess that I looked at Gabriel's wanting to keep Meridia in the house the same as most abuser's want to keep the ones they are able to abuse close at hand.  Not wanting to let go of the thing they feel they can control.

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I guess that's the aspect that kept me from seeing the "angel" connection to Gabriel. Sort of this evil side. Why DOES he care if she stays or goes? He loses control, he really cares (deep down) or his ego doesn't want to see her marry below their standards? Will be interesting to see how Gabriel plays out as we go along. --Barb

[Zeal]

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dhaupt wrote:

Meridia in the early chapters shows herself to be an odd child, a victim and an enabler, but in her defense what else could she have been. She's only shown affection by her nurse, her father despises her, her mother forgets she's even there. But as Meridia matures she also shows courage, intelligence and compassion.

Meridia only has been shown affection at the most basic level while growing up, first fleetingly by her mother and then by her nurse.

Meridia in my opinion is a very strong person to have survived through the childhood that she had.

I think the book reveals what early romance is like, it's all magical and giddy and ripe with possibilities.

My first impression of Daniel's family is that I liked the younger sister Permony and thought that Malin was a brat, but I felt it was a realistic view of siblings. I'll reserve my thoughts on the parents later as I know from the first chapter that Eva is apparently the root of all evil according to Meridia. As far as how she fits with them I think she wants to very much and she envies the love that she sees at her first visit.

I am not surprised any more by anything that Meridia's parents do. Although I would have thought that Gabriel would have been happy to be rid of her. 

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I very much agree with your post!  I looked at Daniel's family with suspicion though, especially where Eva is concerned.  I thought about the quote, "The grass is always greener..."  Meridia is pulled into Eva's charms too quickly, but there are hints that something else is amiss, especially the way Permony is treated by her mother.   I feel as if Eva only shows people what she wants them to see, but has a very (hidden) devilish side to her (which I feel will appear later in the novel).

[drbjaded]

She is a very strong person.  She's trying to figure out the truth about what's happening with her family.  She's trying to establish some sort of life outside of the house with having a friend at school and then meeting Daniel.  She wants to escape the life she has now. 

She has had NO chance of any real warmth and affection.  It's terrible.  I'm surprised she's grown up to actually feel emotion from the way she's been treated.  It's surprising she didn't just crawl into a ball and die.  She still managed to bloom.

She is very strong to fight the mist and talk with them to make a bargain.  She questions everyone and wants to know the truth.  She stands up to her father and doesn't care what he thinks about her.  She is stronger than both her parents put together.  It's amazing how she carries herself and how she grows.

Well they talk about this burning she feels when she's in the same spot Daniel was in.  They also talk about the electricity they feel towards each other.  It's almost as if they are practicing REAL chemistry.  They are really FEELING the energy and electricity between them.  Meridia gets the actual physical symptoms from her butterflies.  They have a strong connection and it is emphasized in their reactions to one another.

Their family is also very strange and eccentric.  This talk of bees around Daniel's father will be interesting to continue reading about.  I haven't gotten to the part about the response from the parents about their relationship but I'm anxious to find out.  I am guessing that they probably will not care and will be glad to get rid of her especially her father.

[MSaff]

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rkubie wrote:

What kind of person does Meridia show herself to be?

What chances for real warmth and affection has Meridia had in her young life?

How strong a person is she?

Again, the budding relationship that Meridia develops with Daniel is full of magical

properties--how do those fantastical elements describe what early romance is really like?

What is your early impression of Daniel's family and family life, and how do you think Meridia fits in with them?

Are you surprised by Gabriel and Ravenna's responses to her relationship?

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   Good Afternoon Everyone,

  The subject of Meridia brings about a multitude of possibilities.  In the initial chapters, what I discovered about Meridia, is that she had to be self reliant, following the disappearance of her nurse, even though she wasn't ready or willing at the time.  At least Ravenna would acknowledge her from time to time. 

  Only when she started going out on her own and discovered Hannah as a friend, did she begin to build a cohesive relationship and strength of will.  When Hannah moved away, Meridia still ventured out but not with the same enthusiasm for life she had briefly experienced around Hannah.  Then there's the magical meeting of Daniel and Meridia.  I especially enjoyed the section that described how when Meridia went looking for Daniel following his disappearance , that she felt the heat that Daniel had left.  See page 44, and you can read what I mean. 

  Then there's the music which lures Meridia to the tent with the sign "The Cave of Enchantment".  When Daniel arrived there shortly later, I suspected that he had something to do with Meridia being lured there, but later decided that Daniel had also be brought there by some sort of magical enchantment.  

  I think Daniel's family has some problems of their own, and it will be interesting to see what transpires as a result of the marriage between Daniel and Meridia.  Remembering the Meridia's father has the Mists and Daniel's father apparently is being tormented by the Bees..  Finally, I was not all surprised at the responses of Meridia's parents regarding her relationship with Daniel. 

[Thayer]

I find it interesting how diversified are the characteristics of ALL of the women in this story.  They are all strong, and yes weak, in their own way...yet totally different in character, demeanor and attitude.

[ponkle]

SPOILER IN A WAY

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Thayer wrote:

I find it interesting how diversified are the characteristics of ALL of the women in this story.  They are all strong, and yes weak, in their own way...yet totally different in character, demeanor and attitude.

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Dawn , You bring up a point I had been wanting to talk about. I agree with you completely about the women and then I find the men all weak with sometimes the strength to do something behind the woman's back.  I was thinking that to me there was some surprise that this was written by a man by how the men were all portrayed as doing the woman's bidding in many cases.

Something I felt about Meridia is that she seems strong and she will do okay in her life even though she comes from a house without love and attention. I think this parallels the world, it is what we make it. Our environment has a role in forming us but if we want and try hard we can make our lives better.

I am still not sure about Meridia and Hannah. I remember my daughter Becca when she did something wrong she would insist she didn't do it - Bad Becca did it who sat on her left shoulder. So does Meridia have an invisible friend to help her thru her life, is she playing maybe with a ghost or is Hannah real and her reflection doesn't show for some unknown reason.

[Cata821]

Meridia is seems like an almost normal quiet girl. She is curious about the world around her but has had to experience strange relationships that many children have not. She has had very few chances for real warmth and affection. To many people, this lack of connection would make Meridia seem odd. However, the lack of affection and attention has made Meridia incredibly strong. She listens to her inner self and follows her instincts throughout the book. The budding relationship between Meridia and Daniel is fun and light-hearted. The magic here is very similar to the magic most people feel when they finally meet someone special. It seems most people remember courtship fondly. The memories have a special glow around them that won't ever go away.

rkubie wrote:

What kind of person does Meridia show herself to be?

What chances for real warmth and affection has Meridia had in her young life?

How strong a person is she?

Again, the budding relationship that Meridia develops with Daniel is full of magical

properties--how do those fantastical elements describe what early romance is really like?

What is your early impression of Daniel's family and family life, and how do you think Meridia fits in with them?

Are you surprised by Gabriel and Ravenna's responses to her relationship?

[ponie]

With Gabriel's scorn, disdain, and cruelty, and Ravenna's forgetfulness and neglect, as well as the (even though well intentioned) over protective nurse, no one is affirming, in any way shape or form, that Meridia has what it takes to do life (-a belief children need in order to grow up and become healthy adults). 

Ravenna does not want or allow Meridia to feel her feelings (hmmmm...I wonder if in doing so Ravenna might have to take a look at her own) thus Meridia gets no help or "coaching" as to how to sort through them and learn HOW to think - on her own.  She's always being told WHAT to think.  All messages to Meridia tell her she can't handle things, she can't think for herself, she doesn't matter.  Tends to make one (a bit) dependent!  Neither parent or nurse is there for her, believing in her, affirming her, encouraging her, loving her...no wonder she is so drawn to and in love with Daniel!  He's her ticket out and away...or is he???  What is she getting in exchange?  Eva! 

...and as Patina tied the apron around Meridia's waist, Meridia began to understand her standing in this family.  Is it really any different from the one she left?  It could be like jumping from the frying pan into the flame!  YIKES!!!

[nfam]

I find the relationship between Daniel and Meridia very problematic. Clearly Meridia is looking for a way out of her family. She sees Eva as someone who will give her the love and possibly protection she hasn't found from her own mother. Frankly, I think she's in for a shock. Eva strikes me as extremely self centered. She seems like the kind of woman who would like to have her adored son marry a very young woman so that she could remain in control of the situation.

I think Meridia is in for a shock in her relationship with Daniel and his family. They are now what she thinks they are. 

[Immortal-Spirit]

Meridia has adapted to her circumstances, but has not become them.  Inside, there is a Maridia that knows she doesn't belong there.  I would say she is a very strong girl who is trying to keep herself from being like her parents and retaining some of herself in the process.  I don't think she fits in with Daniel's family. But wants to. From Gabriel, there isn't a surprise. The surprise came from Ravenna.  I never expected her reaction to Gabriel's refusal to let Maridia to get married. 

The budding of Maridia and Daniel's relationship and the magic surrounding it is amazing.  The places they go and the things they see is just astounding.  Very imaginative. 

[CAG]

I see Meridia as very strong because she has had to depend on herself more than anyone else. She is also intelligent and capable. I think she will survive because she has within her, determination. She has learned what she needed to from others but then makes up her own mind.

[dhaupt]

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CAG wrote:
I see Meridia as very strong because she has had to depend on herself more than anyone else. She is also intelligent and capable. I think she will survive because she has within her, determination. She has learned what she needed to from others but then makes up her own mind.

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I totally agree with you on Meridia CAG

[TRJ4SQ]

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rkubie wrote:

What kind of person does Meridia show herself to be?

She has shown that she is self sufficient and thoughtful. I believe she has intellect but is naive in many ways. Her heart is basically good and she hasn't been poisoned but the life that her parents have led. Give a thumbs up to the nurse.

What chances for real warmth and affection has Meridia had in her young life?

She obviously hasn't had very much opportunity for love or warmth. Perhaps only the nurse. It's funny, but I just now realized that there are no grandparents in the story. Too bad for her because this may have been an exception to her lonely rule.

How strong a person is she?

Merida is strong at times and vulnerable at times just like any other person. She is able to cope with the madness of the household but she still cries when she feels pain.

Again, the budding relationship that Meridia develops with Daniel is full of magical

properties--how do those fantastical elements describe what early romance is really like?

I'll have to admit that romance can be magical but in this case, it's a little too magical. The heat of desire, the longing to catch a glimpse, the inability to let any little nuance go can be part of a realistic budding romance but I hardly see that in our modern teenage culture. It does fit well with the story and their quick courtship moves things along.

What is your early impression of Daniel's family and family life, and how do you think Meridia fits in with them?

 It seems to be a house where little respect for others is shown and there is no problem verbalizing this. His mother is overbearing and commands the house. All other family members have their issues as well. I don't think Merida fits with them at all. She is used to a different lifestyle and  living in a house that is full of solitude and quiet. I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't take long to get on her last nerve.

Are you surprised by Gabriel and Ravenna's responses to her relationship?

Not really. I don't think it's a matter of them not wanting her to have love but that they are afraid of her having love then losing it only to be hurt, like they were.

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Message Edited by TRJ4SQ on 06-11-2009 05:08 AM