Christie Culp
Discussion Starter on Philip Hensher's The Northern Clemency
No Clemency for Katherine

The Oxford English Dictionary gives a definition for “Mardy” as sulking, a spoiled child, whiny. Who in the Glover family is a bit of a “Mardy?” What new interest does Katherine have and how has this impacted her family? Consider Katherine’s actions in front of newly arrived neighbors just two days after her party. She seems unaware of the watchful eyes of neighbors as she devastates Tim. He in turn imitates some of her actions, furthering the arguments. What do you think then was the real reason for her party?
Consider the role of Tim in his family. How has his family role affected his relationships with others?

Tanya J. Thomas
February 26, 2009
Repetitive and Insignificant or Ritualistic and Meaningful?

Small rituals are present in both families, but are treated differently and seem to have polar effects. The Sellers family has rituals that bind them, such as Alice and Bernie’s way of asking and answering (106, 124) and perhaps even their wartime references (169, 177). Bernie tells the story of the collars at his work to comfort and encourage Sandra (176). Malcolm’s repetition of the story as they drive through Derbyshire suggests one ritual that affects Jane positively: “Jane found it comforting…She didn’t mind being told things more than once: it was a signal that everything was all right in the world” (88). The Glover family in general seems to take for granted the rituals in their lives, distancing rather than drawing them together. Katherine finds distraction in the ritual of taking care of the laundry (108) but no comfort in anticipating Malcolm’s ritualistic undressing (57) or his garden (61). Jane and Daniel repeat their mother’s phrases derisively, but without affection (40). Jane notices the small changes around the house after her mother starts working when perhaps rituals are abandoned (65). Are these changes indicative of some greater change occurring in the family? Are they reflections of something else deeper going on? What role does ritual have in strengthening or weakening a family?

Kyle Miller
On page 147, Roy states: “Nothing like a coating of coal dust to make you realize the contours of your face, like a shifting and private geology.” Within the industrial laden town of Sheffield, Philip Hensher switches points of view to examine the subtle contours of community. To what purpose is Hensher implementing this craft?
Is Hensher consciously switching points of view to show the frequent inference of society: Mrs. Arbuthnot’s watchful eyes behind cracked curtains? I think that it should be noted that this often parallels the reader’s experience; we are often left to infer meaning from a withholding narrative. Is Hensher trying to concentrate on misperceptions? Characters often view other character’s motives or actions incorrectly; this is made evident through the exposure to multiple points of view. Or, is Hensher’s decision to switch points of views something unrealized at this point in the novel?