I agree with Magnus! IMHO, we live in a society that discourages open suffering such as crying or fear. publicly people are expected to keep their emotions to themselves. Now I realize this isn't true for everyone everywhere, but I've heard parents tell their children not to cry when they get hurt, and adults whenever they show sadness often apologize for the natural reaction of tears. The message is, suffering is to be borne in private among family and very close friends, and anything other than this behavior anywhere else is generally frowned upon. If people don't conform to this unspoken rule of society, they're labeled dramatic or seeking attention.
that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of compassionate people, quite the contrary, but I'm simply speaking of the general public and everyday life. I'm not saying there aren't people who behave in a flamboyant and overreactive manner at times, for there definitely are those types of people as well.
Sorry this got a bit OT, I just thought I would add my opinion to the discussion, not that it's worth much...
Another "What?" moment for me: After Jeremiah's death, Angelique summons him back as a ghost. He proceeds to haunt her, obviously realizing what she is, and not only does he haunt her, but he goes to Barnabas and accuses him of stealing Josette from him and that he wants her back.
But Jeremiah never truly loved Josette when he was alive, and you would think upon his death, Angelique would no longer have power over him. He should have then told Barnabas of her malicious intent and the motives behind his and Josette's sudden ill-fated marriage.