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The Fair Fight


A page-turning novel set in the world of 18th century female pugilists.
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How do you interpret the title of the novel?

Created: 04/13/16

Replies: 11

Posted Apr. 13, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

How do you interpret the title of the novel?

How do you interpret the title of the novel?


Posted Apr. 25, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
patrician

Join Date: 11/15/14

Posts: 7

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

I think the title has several meanings....very clever.
The first is of course Ruth's fight at the Fair in Bristol which was supposed to be rigged, but turned out to be anything but a fair fight. Then there was Tom's fight, which was a fair fight, but turned out to be the major turning point in Tom and Ruth's life, causing them to dig deep and really discover what they were made of.

And on a more philosophical level, the basics in life with regards to the advantages given to men at that period in history and the fight women had just to be acknowledged.


Posted Apr. 28, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebeccar

Join Date: 03/13/12

Posts: 548

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

With just the first two pages of the novel,the title can apply to the "home" environment in which the narrator is being raised as well as her less-than-standard-appearances in a society that often judges women solely on looks.


Posted Apr. 29, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Windsong

Join Date: 05/07/13

Posts: 105

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

I agree with both patrician's and rebeccar's answers, and that is why I think this debut novel is very good. It provokes thought.
When I finished the book, I thought that the author intended her readers to believe that life really can deal the right cards to people and characters who behave badly in their lives and who will reap the consequences. Bowden is my best example: His money to Ruth's opponent at the county fair almost caused her death. That act set in motion Tom's entrance into the boxing world and Granville's and his ticket to wealth and respectability. Although George Bowden protests that he wants to move on from his parasitic life with Perry, his character flaws prevent him from doing so. Consequently, his sentence to life with Perry is a satisfactory ending for him. Patrician sent me further in my thinking in that so much more hinged on The County Fair. Charlotte's life begins to awaken from her self-imposed life of "looking at her gloved hands in her lap." My interpretation combines both reviews plus a thought that Charlotte and Ruth's story shows that if life isn't perceived as fair, these two characters show that the playing field can me bade level.


Posted May. 01, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
judyh

Join Date: 01/26/16

Posts: 20

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

I agree with the views already put forth. Additionally, for me it evoked the concept of the "fairer sex" fighting for a place in life.


Posted May. 01, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Rebecca L.

Join Date: 02/08/16

Posts: 56

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

I think there were some really good points brought up here so far. I also was thinking that it might have to do with the character's relationships as well. There are a lot of situations between the characters that I would not necessarily categorize as a "fair fight" including Mr. Dryer's treatment of pretty much everyone and George's manipulation of certain characters. While the "fair fight" reference could be interpreted to be a discussion of the actual fighting scenes, I think that the real fight is over the affairs of the heart.


Posted May. 03, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 889

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

I think the title is really clever since it can have so many meanings -

- the fight at the fair
- the fact that it ended up being a fair fight
- the fight of the fair sex for equality/respect


Posted May. 09, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ruthiea

Join Date: 02/03/14

Posts: 271

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

As noted above there are many interesting ways to apply the title to aspects of the novel, however my favorite part of the book was when Charlotte decked her obnoxious, nasty husband and thereby earned his respect - which she now had no interest in having!


Posted May. 10, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Windsong

Join Date: 05/07/13

Posts: 105

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

ruthlea I loved that part too. That was justice


Posted May. 13, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
amandap

Join Date: 03/12/16

Posts: 12

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

I loved that part as well.


Posted May. 14, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
nevans72

Join Date: 01/17/16

Posts: 7

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

I believe it means fair to the women who want to belong to an all male sport in a time when people judged women if they did not stay home and be the good little wife. It's battle of the sexes! I'm so glad that times have changed since then. Look at Ronda Rousey and you will see how much the times have changed. Women have come a long way since the characters in the book.


Posted May. 21, 2016 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
JAKL1

Join Date: 12/06/12

Posts: 55

RE: How do you interpret the title of the novel?

"The Fair Fight" means that everyone is entitled to fight for their beliefs in a fair way. Sometimes the fight may not seem fair at the time. But in the end the fight will make you stronger for fighting the fight.


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