The CBB :: View topic - Miss Annersley

through

#1: Miss Annersley Author: Elle, Location: Peterborough

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:53 am
—
What does EBD tell us about Miss Annersley's early life before she came to the Chalet School? I know a long lost cousin turns up (in 'Peggy'?), but do we know anything else?

Thanks.

#2: Author: JayB, Location: SE England

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:55 am
—
This is from Jane:

Quote:

I went through that experience myself at Jane’s age. My mother was ill for weeks before she died and no one told me anything. The first I knew of it was when my eldest brother came to fetch me home.

I think we can deduce from that, that she had at least three brothers. If she'd had only two, Miss Annersley, being the stickler for accuracy that she is, would have said 'elder brother'.

Jay B

#3: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 7:01 pm
—
Not if both were older than her - that was my reasoning when I gave her two brothers in my book.

Her mother died at an early age and it had a profound effect upon her - she hadn't known she was ill.

She was not always a 'good girl' at school

Friends of hers Ruth and Naomi were twins, their father was a vicar.

Edgar Mordaunt was her cousin, he had a sister Helen who had a daughter Nell Randolph

Laughing

Could keep going forever here - please PM me if you want to know anything in particular - Hilda Annersley is a project of mine! Laughing

#4: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 3:56 am
—
We know that, before she became Head, she was inclined to let others take the lead. I imagine this was a habit from earlier days.

And for those who squeak indignantly at the thought of Miss Annersley being less than perfect, I offer you this quote from Jo Returns:

Quote:

Although senior mistress she was apt to sit back and let other people run things.

#5: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 5:49 am
—
Wondered where that quote came from! Laughing

Yet this was the same book where she most definitely did take the lead when Mlle Lepattre was taken ill. And it wasn't the first time - even when only just appointed (Eustacia) she was able to effortlessly take on leadership. I wonder if EBD meant to give the impression that she was lazy - surely not - of if, in fact, the idea was that she was happy for others to also take charge on occasion - happy to delegate - an excellent quality to have in a leader, especially as the School became bigger in the Swiss years. Her later partnership with another very strong leader (Nell Wilson) would suggest the latter. And the very fact that she was Senior Mistress would suggest that she was considered the best for the job.

*Well of course I would defend her - did you expect anything less? Wink

*

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:31 am; edited 1 time in total

#6: Author: KB, Location: Melbourne, Australia

Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 4:25 am
—
*lol* I was going to make a point about it, Lesley, but decided not to be quite that obvious. Wink

Actually, I agree with you. That's one of the things I want to show in my next fill-in (between Jo Returns and New), that she became more willing to take leadership roles (as she would have to anyway) but was also willing to delegate when necessary. The school not having a secretary at this point means that she must have done less delegating pre-England books anyway.

#7: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:48 pm
—
I always wondered whether EBD changed her mind about her to some extent; Nell Wilson was always somehow more obvious in the earlier books - Guide Captain, takes the lead on that walk in Rivals, goes on the expedition to the Stubai glacier in Eustacia....there are several Nina Brisley drawings of Miss Wilson and none of Miss Annersley. And then there is that pivotal episode in "And Jo" when Miss Annersley comforts Jo on the night that Jo hears that the Robin doesn't have TB and knows just what to do and say, and after that she becomes more and more of a presence in the books.
Just a thought.

#8: Author: JayB, Location: SE England

Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:25 pm
—
And Nell had been longer at the school so actually was senior mistress and should have been first in line to succeed Mdlle as Head.

I always feel Nell is a stonger and more clearly defined character. I wonder if EBD felt there was a danger of her overshadowing Hilda and that's why she packed her off to St Mildred's.

I'm trying to think of any scenes from Hilda's pov like the one between Nell and Miss Leigh at the beginning of Lavender.

Jay B.

The CBB -> Joey's Trunk

output generated using printer-friendly topic mod. All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Page 1 of 1