Who’s the worst fictional villain you can think of? As in, the one you hate the most, find the most evil, are happiest to see defeated? Not the cardboard, two-dimensional variety, but the most deliciously-written, most entertaining, best villain? Not necessarily the most “evil,” so much as the best-conceived on the part of the author…oh, you know what I mean!
The worst villain: Gilbert Osmond in The Portrait of a Lady. He devours innocence and freedom for sheer sport - ruining Isobel's life, Pansy's life - even Ralph Touchett's, in a way, as his sufferings are multiplied by his generosity. Osmond's delight in the trappings of wealth and culture makes his heartlessness even more ironic.
melanie
12 comments:
Hello Melanie, I have that book but haven't got around to reading it yet. When I do, I'll pay extra attention on how bad a baddie this Gilbert Osmond is. HAPPY BTT!
I haven't read that book, but he sounds a little like the two villians in Dangerous Liasons.
Ooh yes! I'd forgotten about him - good pick.
I tried to read Wings of the Dove by James, and I almost threw it against a wall! Since then, I haven't tried to read a James again. Maybe this one!
Great answer! I read this book a few months ago and ended up hating Osmond! Such a manipulative little... :)
Oh darn, he's the perfect despicable villain! If only I'd thought of him.
Reading from your comments, I'm going to check him out.
I haven't read this, but he certainly does sound villainous.
Barbara H. @ Stray Thoughts
I never heard of this book, so I weren't know the villain. But I did heard around that it good book
Happy Booking Through Thursday!
I haven't read this one, but I will have to check it out. Great response!
I have not heard of this book...but it definitely does sounds interesting.
Saw the film, not read the book yet. James is someone whose writing I love but sometimes struggle with.
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