Discussion questions for Kilmeny of the Orchard

So my book club will be discussing Kilmeny of the Orchard at our next meeting. Since I choose the book, I was curious to see what kind of discussion questions were out there for it.

I found none.

So I decided to create some of my own!

Some of the themes, on the surface of the book, are that love conquers all; unyielding pride causes difficulty not just for the prideful one, but also for their loved ones; eugenics; and the beauty of nature and of people with pure hearts.

1. Let's get the ugly one taken care of right now. The book uses an "Italian peasant" as the villain. It really gives no reason for his bad character except his heritage and "otherness." Near the beginning of the book, "good breeding" is referred to several times as an essential trait for a good match. However, in other respects, this book is very progressive for its time. Coeds are discussed in very positive language and are described as just as capable as the men intellectually. This was before WWII and eugenics were very popular. However, according to most eugenicists, people with any major defect were considered unfit, including those who were deaf or "dumb."
What do you think this book shows about the views on eugenics of the time? How does it align with them? How does it refute them?

2. The book goes into great detail about why Eric is such an eligible match: he's educated, handsome, rich, young, well born, popular, and has a promising future ahead of him. However, it seems like Kilmeny's lack of speech is a very real obstacle to their marriage, as many of the characters (David, Eric, Mrs. Williamson, the Gordons, even Kilmeny herself!) point out. Kilmeny has to be essentially perfect in all other ways to make up for it! Today, something as trivial as being mute would hardly stand in the way of two people in love.
Why do you think this was such an issue in this story?
How do you think this book affected the way people thought of eugenics, especially in respect to physically "unfit" people?

3. What of the sin of the parent being brought upon the innocent child? In the book, the consequence is merely fantastical. However, there are real-life applications of this principle.
When have you seen an innocent suffer from the sins of another person, especially a child?
How does knowing that someone's defects may be caused by another person's sins make you act toward them?

4. Nature is heavily featured in the book. Did you relate to the lyrical descriptions of the sunset, the woods, the flowers, or the orchard? Would you like to see the orchard described in the book? Why?

5. How would it make you feel to be loved as wholly as Kilmeny is, to be seen for you are without having to say a word?

6. What would the world be like if you could look into someone's eyes and tell their character, like Eric, David, and Eric's father can when they meet Kilmeny?

7. Given that Neil is unmistakenly the villain, why do you think that Montgomery puts in the tidbit near the end about him selling his own filly to obtain money for his journey?

8. How do you think we should approach books that espouse a different moral system than our own?




Please, if you find a site that includes discussion questions for this book, link to it in the comments! I would love to see what other questions people have to discuss.

Popular?

Middle school me would have had a hard time believing that one day I'd be one of the popular kids. However, here I am, and I'm part of that elite group in my new ward. Crazy!

I didn't really do anything special to be in the popular group. I just fit the mold: I'm young, I'm educated, I enjoy and have time to read books. I'm even a little bit sporty (ok, ok, all it is is that I run, and that's a newer thing. I'm going to write an update on that soon). Oh yeah. I also have young kids, just like all the other "popular" moms.

I actually feel kind of ridiculous talking about how popular I am.

Anyway, I'm one of those people. They are all nice, kind, and accepting people, but they are the "popular" group and many people in the ward have a hard time feeling like they fit in. Now that I'm in this situation, what am I to do about it?

First things first, let's start with what I have done. I've tried sitting with people in my ward who are not part of the popular group. I really enjoy their company, and they have so many unique talents and experiences. I'm actively trying to get to know everyone in my ward, not just the "popular" ones.

However, this isn't enough. The other "popular" people aren't following my lead. It's kind of funny, because a lot of them are shy or not very outgoing. I think they don't even realize that they're popular! For the situation to change, however, the other "popular" people need to get involved.

One of the things that made it hard for me to fit in when I was younger was that I unwittingly excluded myself from other people and their activities. We didn't share interests, so I thought that they weren't interested in doing things with me. What I didn't understand was that in order to be friends with someone different from you, sometimes you have to put some of your favorite interests on the back burner in order to foster your new friendship.

It's difficult for me to think of activities or conversation starters that don't involve children, books, or a limited amount of exercise. However, the fact of the matter is that there are millions upon millions of people in this world who don't have any interest in even one of those things. If I want to have a well-rounded worldview and include people from many walks of life in my circle of friends--regardless of where I know them from--then I need to learn to branch out, get out of my comfort zone, and take interest in their favorite interests.

Let's not be like Glinda :)

The scariest thing about being a mom

The scariest thing about being a mom is the fear that I'll ruin my children's lives, that I'll give them lasting --but preventable!--psychological, emotional, or physical issues through ignorance or insufficient diligence.

It's kind of scary that I'm entrusted with these small children.

When I see my weaknesses reflected in them, I hope to teach them that I've done the very best I could, but I hope they improve on the way I raised them when they raise their own children. I hope I can give them the tools they need to be better parents than I have been.

I love them, and I hope that will be enough in the long run.

What Is the Power of a Woman?

So lately there's been a lot of replies to the Ordain Women (OW) movement (I didn't even know what it was called until a few days ago, I just knew some women were jealous of men for holding the priesthood.) on my Facebook newsfeed. Interestingly enough, no one on my friends list has seemed to come out in support of it, they've just shared really well-written articles of why we need to calm down and listen to what the Lord has to say through his chosen prophets for us today. And I do admit that I might (probably?) have Facebook friends who support OW and are just too shy or self conscious to say something.

I agree with those well-written arguments. I have no desire for the priesthood. I have a degree in mechanical engineering, I've served a mission, and I'd like to go back into the workforce when my children are old enough, but I'm okay with never becoming a bishop or a high councilman.

I feel that if it was God's will at this time for women/me to hold the priesthood, I would have a desire to hold it, but the thing is that I don't!

I read a quote from someone from OW that said something like, "We hear about all these spiritual experiences our priesthood leaders are receiving as a result of fulfilling their priesthood duties, and we want them, too!"

Initially, it sounds like a legitimate desire, even that the Church is denying women the ability to grow as close to God as the men can become. However, these women are overlooking an important detail: you don't have to hold the priesthood to have powerful spiritual experiences! And when women are striving to do God's will, they always have spiritual experiences.

So on to my point. There are a lot of good arguments. I could give some myself. However, I have yet to read an article on how the role of women in the church is not only equal to that of the men, but just as, if not more, vital for the success of the church.

I read this quote today, and couldn't agree more:

Are we really the first culture in the history of mankind to fail to grasp the glory and seriousness of motherhood? The pagans deified Maternity and turned it into a goddess. We’ve gone the other direction; we treat it like a disease or an obstacle.

-The Matt Walsh Blog (1)             

My mother, bless her heart, has taught me so much. She taught me the value of hard work. She taught me the value of family. She showed me by example that the gospel of Jesus Christ should be my first priority. She taught me honesty and integrity. She might have even gone a little overboard and caused me to rebel a little! The thing is, though, I would be a very different person without the influence of my mother.

My father has also been a wonderful example, but he was gone at work much of the day when I was growing up. I would not be the person I am today without the influence of my father taking responsibility for our family.

It is awe-inspiring to be entrusted with the great work of preparing future generations for their lives and for eternity. It is amazing to think that I have the power to make my home a Christ-centered home. After the General RS meeting nearly 3 weeks ago, I felt inspired and empowered. I feel like I caught a glimpse of the majesty of womanhood. I am looking forward to understanding more and learning more about the dignity and significance of womanhood as I continue to grow in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The priesthood is important. It's essential! But you know how people joke that women could live in a world without men when we no longer need them to have children? Well, the priesthood is something about men that we will always need.

I think the whole point was summed up rather well by Carole M. Stevens, 1st counselor in the General RS presidency, when she said, "We all need each other. Sons of God need daughters of God, and daughters of God need sons of God."



EDIT:: I understand that this might not be representing my ideas correctly. I'd like to clarify: I am saying we need each other, and that having differing roles for men and women help with that. I won't say that women should never have the priesthood; actually, I think it might be kind of neat--but I'm ok with not having it now. Also, I think that motherhood is one thing that can make womanhood great, but it is NOT the only thing that should make being a woman great. If my children grow up to be good people, then I have had a great success, but I won't feel like I've done all I can. Seriously, if motherhood was all Heavenly Father wanted from us, every woman would have the chance to get married to an amazing man AND have children, and there would be no infertility. He hasn't given every woman that opportunity, so obviously we have other things that He wants us to do.

1. http://themattwalshblog.com/2013/10/09/youre-a-stay-at-home-mom-what-do-you-do-all-day/

How do you think the power of a woman is manifested? Let me know in the comments!

Utah's a good place!

Ever since moving to Utah with Austin almost 3 years ago, I've continually learned more and more about Utah and its people. I moved here with plenty of negative stereotypes to go off of, and not really any positive ones. I got over those negative stereotypes very quickly, however. Most of them just aren't true! Sure, there are people in UT that fit the negative stereotypes, but not nearly enough to stereotype the Utahn people with!

Some of the negative stereotypes that I heard about Utah/Utahns include:
-Hypocritical people
-Meat market type singles situation
-Arid climate
-Large bushes were called trees

The biggest stereotype was that the people in Utah are hypocritical. Yeah, sure, there are hypocritical people in Utah, but no more (in my experience) than you'd find outside of Utah. Maybe some people come with higher expectations than they should, and when Utah isn't at the verge of being translated they get disappointed. I haven't been in the singles scene, so I can't say anything about that. The climate IS arid, and I get dry skin MUCH more often here. True stereotype. Large bushes being called trees? Probably, but it isn't really a big deal. A lot of Westerners think we're silly for calling the Appalachian mountains mountains, so I guess we're even there!

That being said, there are many things I love about Utah/Utahns:

-Gardens EVERYWHERE

+ Really, really. In prosperous areas and in less prosperous areas. I've seen them in small yards and big yards; in the city and out of it. In my experience, the gardeners were more than happy to share their produce with people unable to garden for whatever reason. To me, this is really cool.

-Really nice people

+ Of course not everyone can be nice, but so many people are willing to help others out, even when they don't know each other very well. See the produce sharing example above. I know a family that keeps a pickup truck at least in part to help other people move. One woman from my ward lent me some baby clothes right after Levi was born. I could go on, but I don't want to bore you too much. 

-Everyone is involved in their community.

+ Ok, not everyone, but many, many more people than in other parts of the country. More people volunteer, so much so that other places have asked government officials in Utah how they get their people to do it! More people vote. More people are involved in their school districts.

-I don't feel like I've left people out when I talk about things that are related to the LDS faith.

+ Even if not everyone believes in the LDS faith, everyone (or nearly everyone) is familiar with things like Visiting Teaching. It's nice to be able to be open about my religion without worrying that others will think I'm weird, brain-washed, or just dumb for believing as I do.

-It's beautiful.

+I don't think I could ever let go of my attachment to the exuberant vegetation of the Southeast, but the mountains do have a rugged beauty. They are awe-inspiring and very beautiful, and there are many mountain trails close by where you can enjoy the beauty close-up.

-People have skills for self-reliance: some sew, some preserve food by canning, most (women) know how to cook delicious food from scratch, many know how to fix things around the house or yard, and many garden.

+ Sometimes this can be intimidating. However, there are plenty people willing to teach you how to do things or who will just let you benefit from their wonderful talents.

-I can WALK to church! (it's less than one block away!)

-CONSTANT miracles. It seems too personal to elaborate on this, but if you want examples, PM me.


So, there are a lot of great things about Utah. Yeah, there are some negative things, too, but no more than any other place. With all these wonderful things about Utah, you may ask why I'd want to live anywhere else? Family is the main reason, but of course all different places have their good points, and most have just as many as Utah does.

Not Your Regular Friendship

So, today is the birthday of one of my friends from high school. I haven't really stayed in touch with him (except through Facebook), so I don't really know much about what his life is like now, but he was a really great friend then. He was my friend when I didn't know how to make friends. It meant a lot to me that he was my friend.

We were kind of unusual friends. I was shy, a model student, and strictly kept away from all drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. He was outgoing, an average-to-poor student, and was a regular smoker and drinker, and (I think) had tried illegal drugs a few times.

But those things, thankfully, did not define our friendship. We both got to school about half an hour early, so we'd hang out before school started. Mostly we just talked; sometimes we walked around the halls as we talked, too. He was fun to hang out with, and had a great sense of humor. He thought I was cute, and tried to stop smoking so I'd think he was more attractive. It was difficult because all of his family members also smoked, and I probably told him that I wasn't going to date him even if he stopped smoking. I liked him just fine as a friend who smoked. At that time, the term "friend zoned" wasn't in use. I liked him, but only as a friend.

One time I was working on my calculus homework when my friend got to school. He looked at all the summation symbols and integral signs and said (humorously) that it looked like satanic symbols. The summation sign ( Ʃ ) does look pretty creepy, doesn't it? Anyway, we had a good laugh over that one.

Another time when we were walking through the halls, one of my teachers saw us and gave us a funny look. I'm guessing that the teacher either had my friend in some of his classes or had heard about my friend from other teachers. It made me laugh to myself at the time, because although my friend might be considered a "bad influence," he wasn't a bad influence. He respected what I believed and cared about and didn't try to persuade me to compromise those things.

I keep hearing how important it is for young people to choose friends who have their same values. Yes, I think that's important, but I think that young people will also benefit from having friends that have different values but respect their beliefs. Let's remember to be kind and to stop stereotypes from defining our friendships with others.