Storytime for Grownups: The Woman in White – Michelson 2 (Part 2) & Several Narratives (Part 1)
Host: Faith Moore
Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Storytime for Grownups, Faith Moore delves deeper into Wilkie Collins' classic novel, The Woman in White. Continuing from the previous installment, Faith navigates through complex plot developments, character dynamics, and intricate narratives that enrich the story's suspense and intrigue.

Recap of Previous Episode

Faith begins by revisiting the cliffhanger from the last episode, where Marian remains at Blackwater Park despite initial indications that she had left with Count Fosco. This unresolved tension has spurred a flurry of listener emails, expressing confusion and excitement over the unfolding mystery.

Faith Moore (00:05):
"Marian is still at Blackwater Park and Laura has left to go to London and be met at the train station by Count Bosco. What is going on, you guys? What the heck?"

Listener Reactions and Engagement

Faith shares reactions from her dedicated listeners, highlighting their emotional responses and theories about the plot.

• Michelle Watson (05:30):
  "This plot twist gave me literal chills. Collins had me all prepped to follow Laura's dangerous journey to London, which is dramatic enough in itself. But then he reveals that Laura has been duped and me right along with her."

• Rebecca Holman (07:15):
  "The way I screamed when you read that Marian had gone with Fosco and Madame Fosco, only to scream again when Mrs. Rubell said that she was still at Blackwater Park. I know something is about to happen and my flabber has been gassed."

• Amanda (09:50):
  "Wow. Could Sir Percival act any more guilty? He can't even look Laura in the eye."

• Jalyn Willis (12:05):
  "I hope I'm saying that right. The only two options for Marian is she is in one of the vacated staff rooms or she is in the grounds. Six feet under, to be exact. This is a really intense cliffhanger."

• Alan Robison (15:20):
  "I keep waiting for the bad factor to bottom out and the comeback to begin. Yet things keep getting worse and worse for our heroines, Laura and Marian. We need something to pin our trust to that things will get better."

Faith acknowledges the heightened suspense and the audience's engagement, emphasizing the communal experience of unraveling the mystery together.

Reading and Analysis: Michelson 2 (Part 2)

Faith proceeds to read Mickelson's Narrative Chapter Two, Part Two, where Mrs. Mickelson confronts Sir Percival about Marian's disappearance. This segment intensifies the plot, revealing Sir Percival's deceit and the precarious situation Laura finds herself in.

Notable Quote (17:45):
Sir Percival:
"You can't believe it, can you?"
Timestamp: 17:45

Faith highlights Sir Percival's menacing demeanor and the subtle shifts in alliances:

• Faith Moore (18:00):
  "Sir Percival's strange temper broke out in the most violent and most alarming manner. And if the gardener had not been on the spot to pacify him on the instant, I am afraid to think what might have happened."

She underscores the growing threat posed by Sir Percival and the uncertainty surrounding Marian's fate:

• Faith Moore (19:30):
  "Laura has been tricked. She's on her way to London alone. Marian is still at Blackwater Park. Alive or dead, we don't know."

Reading and Analysis: Several Narratives (Part 1)

Faith transitions to reading Several Narratives, Part 1, presenting multiple perspectives that deepen the narrative complexity:

1. Hester Pinhorn's Narrative:
   Hester recounts the mysterious events leading to Lady Glyde's sudden illness and subsequent death, providing a ground-level view of the house's internal dynamics.

   Notable Quote (31:10):
   Hester Pinhorn:
   "I had heard of a situation as plain cook at number 5 Forest Road, St. John's Wood. I took the place on trial."

2. Dr. Alfred Goodrich's Narrative:
   The doctor provides a clinical account of Lady Glyde's death, attributing it to an aneurism without delving into the surrounding mysteries.

   Notable Quote (40:25):
   Dr. Goodrich:
   "I recommend you to write to Lady Glyde's friends directly."
   Timestamp: 40:25

3. Jane Gould's Narrative:
   Jane describes her role in preparing Lady Glyde's body for burial, adding layers to the story's unfolding tragedy.

   Notable Quote (50:50):
   Jane Gould:
   "I refer persons who may wish to investigate my character to Mr. Goodrick. He will bear witness that I can be trusted to tell the truth."
   Timestamp: 50:50

4. The Tombstone's Epitaph:
   The narrative concludes with the tombstone's inscription, marking Laura Lady Glyde's brief and tragic life.

   Notable Quote (59:00):
   "Laura Lady Glyde, wife of Sir Percival Glyde, Baronet of Blackwater Park, Hampshire, and daughter of the Late Philip Fairlie, Esq."
   Timestamp: 59:00

Faith meticulously navigates these narratives, offering brief explanations to aid comprehension and highlighting the interconnectedness of each perspective.

Faith's Insights and Analysis

Throughout the episode, Faith provides thoughtful analysis, connecting plot developments to broader themes and character motivations:

• On Marian's Disappearance:
  Faith speculates on Marian's possible fates, weighing the probabilities of her being hidden within the house or worse.

  Faith Moore (22:15):
  "If Marian was alert and able to move around, then surely she'd be trying to get back to Laura. So either she's hidden in the house or she never left Blackwater Park because she's dead and buried there."

• On Sir Percival's Character:
  Faith discusses Sir Percival's evolving role, noting his initial portrayal versus his actions that suggest deeper villainy.

  Faith Moore (25:40):
  "Percival is looking pretty guilty. He's the one who told Laura where Marian supposedly went and arranged for her to leave on the train. It's Percival who's here to set things in motion, not Fosco."

• On Laura's Strength:
  Faith admires Laura's resilience and strategic thinking amidst mounting threats.

  Faith Moore (28:30):
  "Laura's strength is evident as she makes a plan of escape that Percival and Fosco don't know about. She's rallying herself to make sure Marian is alright."

Conclusion and What's Next

Faith wraps up the episode by reflecting on the intense developments and the shifting dynamics among characters. She emphasizes the necessity for forthcoming events to propel the story forward, moving beyond perpetual suspense into concrete action.

Faith Moore (65:00):
"We can't just keep existing in this, like, swamp of unease and suspense forever. Something's going to give."

She teases future episodes, promising continued exploration of the novel's intricate plots and character arcs.

Faith Moore (67:30):
"Alright everyone, story time is over. To be continued."

Supporting the Podcast

Faith concludes by encouraging listeners to engage further through her website, merchandise, and support options, fostering a vibrant community around classic literature appreciation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Faith Moore (00:05):
  "Marian is still at Blackwater Park and Laura has left to go to London and be met at the train station by Count Bosco. What is going on, you guys? What the heck?"

• Michelle Watson (05:30):
  "This plot twist gave me literal chills..."

• Sir Percival (17:45):
  "You can't believe it, can you?"

• Hester Pinhorn (31:10):
  "I took the place on trial."

• Dr. Goodrich (40:25):
  "I recommend you to write to Lady Glyde's friends directly."

• Jane Gould (50:50):
  "I can be trusted to tell the truth."

• Faith Moore (65:00):
  "Something's going to give."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Storytime for Grownups masterfully balances storytelling with analytical insights, making classic literature accessible and engaging for modern audiences. Faith Moore's dedication to unpacking Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White fosters a deeper appreciation for the novel's enduring suspense and complex characters.

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, where further mysteries are sure to unfold, continuing the communal journey through this literary masterpiece.