How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"The Cranstons will never get Olive off their hands by staying home. Olive is pushing twenty-one without a man in sight. And so they're going to have to try Europe." (1.36)
Helena has figured out why the Upstairs Cranstons are moving to Europe: Olive needs to get married. Back in the 19th century girls were expected to get hitched pretty young, so turning twenty-one is a sign that Olive needs to find a hubby as fast as she can.
Quote #2
"Cranstons?" the white mouse said. "Party of four? Americans? Mister? Missus? Two young ladies? One pretty, one not-so-much? 'Usband-'unting?"
What? Oh—husband hunting. (6.36-37)
Nigel gives us an interesting phrase to talk about Olive's search for a spouse: "husband hunting." This phrase makes it sound like Olive is on the prowl and her husband is prey to be caught. What do you think of this analogy? How is Olive like a hunter? Are there ways in which she's more like the hunted prey instead?
Quote #3
"They are 'usband—husband-hunting for Olive."
"They are off to a very poor start, I'm bound to say. They have fallen at the first fence." The Duchess shook her head. "Moreover they've picked the wrong ship. We are sailing very short of rank. There are only three unmarried Englishmen of title on the entire passenger list. Three only." (7.32-33)
When Helena chats with Duchess Cheddar Gorge about Olive's marriage prospects, things look bleak—the Duchess even knows precisely how many gents are on board the ship. Of course the Duchess is only counting men of a certain rank, though, which means she's identifying only upper class men as suitable for Olive. What do you think of this assumption? How is class part of the marriage decision for Olive or Camilla?