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Gentle styles

EmmaXuHP 04 Feb 10 at 2:05 p.m. GMT

As for one of the funs of Agatha Christie, the great British writter.You must have your own criteria or attitude to 'gentleman'.And which type do you like? Like Poirot, Hastings or Mr.Darcy(the hero in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice') or Colin Firth？ Share your opinion with us please~

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HeiseiHolmes 27 Mar 10 at 6 p.m. GMT

When I was on holiday once, I lived right next to a second-hand bookshop. I visited every day, and bought new books. The owner eventually told all the staff I was to get a 20p discount! It was great!

MissQuin 08 Mar 10 at 6:46 p.m. GMT

Puffinjill, I remember I there was a book I wanted to read. The library had to phone around the county then ship it so I could pick it up. I love books.I like second hand shops for old books, but the prices have gone up. I have to pay a fair amount for a book I may not like. So libraries a better option. I usually read the book super quick, but somehow I don't manage to get it back in time!

Theres never any AC's though, theres a long waiting list. I cant never wait, so order them online.

Puffinjill 08 Mar 10 at 3:13 p.m. GMT

My library service is frustrating too as I live in a relatively rural area. Do you order books from them, MissQuin, or just see what they have available at any one time? I order books from my local Library service online and then I can search countywide for titles. Why not give that a go? It gives you a much wider choice - although Somerset still struggles to provide anything near as good a service as I really want!! Oh well, better than nothing!

However you manage it, I hope you get hold of a copy, MissQuin, as I think the Parker Pyne stories would appeal to you.

MissQuin 06 Mar 10 at 3:13 p.m. GMT

I'm really intersted now. I wish I could get a libary copy, read a few and see f I like it. I wouldnt have read Mr Quin, but someone gave me a copy so I did and I love it.

My library has few copies of AC and someones always got them rented out!

Puffinjill 06 Mar 10 at 7 a.m. GMT

Mr Parker Pyne is essentially a very different man from Mr Satterthwaite but I still think he can be considered a gentleman. Mr Satterthwaite gets involved in other peoples problems and mysteries due to his friend, Mr Quin, and a nose for this kind of situation. Parker Pyne, however, gets involved on a commercial level, and advertises his services in the personal column of The Times. Having worked in a Government office for 35 years compiling statistics, he then sets up an agency to aid those who are unhappy. He clearly states that he doesn't consider himself a detective at all, but a 'heart specialist'. So from that, Miss Quin, I think you can safely assume there is a romantic edge to most of his stories.

He seems quite a forgotten character now, but I find his stories charming and wish he appeared in more. The book is still in print so it shouldn't be too difficult to find a copy. He may not be out of the top drawer, like Mr Satterthwaite, or even mix in those circles, and he may have a commercial outlook, but I still think he is a gentleman.

MissQuin 05 Mar 10 at 9:38 a.m. GMT

Puffinjill. Yes, I love Mr Satterwaite, you summed him up very well. Ive not read Parker Pyne, but I'm considering reading it. I think the book may have been out of print for a while, Ive not managed to get a copy. Are the books like the Mr Quin stories? are they more romance orientated? are they funny?

Puffinjill 05 Mar 10 at 7:29 a.m. GMT

But HE describes himself as a snob, so it isn't a put-down by another character. I think his recognising this weakness in his character adds to his charm. I still think he is a gentleman. Even though he is aware that he does prefer the company of those from the upper classes (especially anyone with a title), he is willing to help those who do not fall into this catagory. This is shown in a few stories in The Mysterious Mr Quin, such as The Face Of Helen and The Man From The Sea. Above anything else, human nature interests him and the lack of social position or a title wouldn't stop him from wanting to involve himself in the dilemma and help if he (and his mysterious friend) can.

What about Mr Parker Pyne? He seems a very gentlemanly character.

MissQuin 04 Mar 10 at 4:22 p.m. GMT

I have to add Mr Satterwaite, as a perfect gentleman. He is well annered and considerate. Yes, he is described as a snob. But it's odd, as he's gentle and kind. He doesnt always want to help only the upper classes. This is shown in At Worlds End.

yamifannetje 01 Mar 10 at 6:39 p.m. GMT

Could be, but as for me,  there is one thing an authentic gentleman has and I haven't find it to Hastings yet: that nearly unhuman touch that makes Poirot so different than other people  and so one still remembers that "gentleman" is no synonym for  "man" Hastings is so alike all man, so common, you ca say.

MissQuin 01 Mar 10 at 5:02 p.m. GMT

Smartly dressed men with excellent manners. Hastings is a gentleman. He is shocked by the idea of listening at doors or eavesdropping. But Poirot is somewhat less inhibited, he doesnt blanch at reading someone elses letters (Lord Edgware and Peril at End House). If it helps him solve the crime, then he thinks all fair.

yamifannetje 28 Feb 10 at 8:27 p.m. GMT

good point, actually

Hastings and Poirot both often are defined as "gentleman " and they absolutly are. But each in a different way. Gentleman is such a wide used term that there isn't an one and only definition of it.  Hastings makes a unique but thousand -and-so-much version of that, while Poirot makes an gentleman exist authentique like never before.