I wonder whether it was very deliberate indeed

Quick Index Board Index Home FAQ Site Map

View thread | Previous message | Next message

I wonder whether it was very deliberate indeed Written by Tom P2 (9/19/2010 10:35 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Did JA error in making Fanny So Timid?, penned by Patricia AA

Ch3> “I hope I am not ungrateful, aunt,” said Fanny modestly.

Really? Modestly? Why is the omniscient narrator laying down such a clear and unequivocal qualifier? I'd normally expect JA to be more canny and subtle than that. When she puts a point of taste or judgment in such plain view, like when she refers to Mr Elton's broad handsome face in Emma ch13, I tend to take it as a sign that something's up.

In this case, I wonder whether she's taking an archetype - the virtuous, mild, put-upon character - and gently exaggerating for humorous effect. I wonder whether JA would have had a quiet satisfaction in knowing that many of her readers were solemnly taking Fanny at face value.

For a more overt example of the sort of 'exaggeration by adverb' I'm talking about, consider this excerpt from an A A Milne story:

"Pooh," said Rabbit kindly, "you haven't any brain."
"I know," said Pooh humbly.

I just have no sense of shame about subverting the poignancy Jeffrey referred to. Ever-so-humble Winnie the Pooh. Chuckle. Ever-so-modest Fanny Price. Chuckle.

Previous message | Next message | Board index

Fanny's First Real Excursion BarbaraB (9/13/2010 4:20 p.m.)

No cares about Fanny Patricia AA (9/13/2010 4:38 p.m.)
- She was pretty quiet when she arrived (nfm) Nicki (9/13/2010 4:55 p.m.)
  - She was very quiet, but why? Patricia AA (9/13/2010 5:01 p.m.)
    - Personality Erica (9/13/2010 5:10 p.m.)
      - Ooh, found an interesting quote   Nicki (9/13/2010 5:35 p.m.)
        
        That's a very good point.   Erica (9/13/2010 5:46 p.m.)
        
        Did JA error in making Fanny So Timid?   Patricia AA (9/13/2010 6:02 p.m.)
        
        No error.   Rachel G (9/13/2010 6:25 p.m.)
        
        We'll discuss it later.   Patricia AA (9/13/2010 6:51 p.m.)
        
        I feel very much with Fanny.   Angela L (9/14/2010 3:36 p.m.)
        
        No error: I believe JA emphasizes Fanny's timidity so...   jeffrey (9/14/2010 8:25 a.m.)
        
        I wonder whether it was very deliberate indeed   Tom P2 (9/19/2010 10:35 p.m.)
        
        Interesting thought. nfm   Karen G (9/19/2010 10:54 p.m.)
        
        She knows her place   LauraMarie (9/14/2010 5:09 a.m.)
        
        It would certainly have been unusual for the oldest girl   AnnetteJ (9/14/2010 9:12 a.m.)
        
        Fanny's role and Mrs. N's choice   Tori Marie (9/17/2010 11:36 a.m.)
    - Several reasons... jeffrey (9/14/2010 8:18 a.m.)
      - Fanny the cipher   Barb JA (9/14/2010 9:38 a.m.)
        
        So does JA want her readers to feel pity for Fanny?   Patricia AA (9/14/2010 9:56 a.m.)
        
        Yes, this will be revisited in later chapters too (NFM)   jeffrey (9/15/2010 12:33 p.m.)
        
        Well, I keep wanting to shout at people...   Mary Skater (9/15/2010 4:43 p.m.)
        
        Oh My! Please Don't Shout...   Patricia AA (9/15/2010 4:56 p.m.)
        
        Fanny needs to evolve?   Robbin (9/15/2010 9:47 p.m.)
        
        Fanny & Timidity   Patricia AA (9/16/2010 12:32 a.m.)
        
        Comfortable as a Martyr?   Robbin (9/16/2010 4:50 a.m.)
        
        Fanny as a Victim   Patricia AA (9/16/2010 8:24 a.m.)
        
        Not everyone   Ramya (9/16/2010 11:25 a.m.)
        
        Totally agree   Tori Marie (9/17/2010 11:15 a.m.)
        
        [Jane Austen is] no everyday talent   Stephanie (9/17/2010 7:51 p.m.)
        
        Edmund-I need group help in understanding his character.   Patricia AA (9/17/2010 8:33 p.m.)
        
        Steady Eddie Falls   Carol (9/17/2010 11:37 p.m.)
        
        intensity of interaction   Karen G (9/19/2010 11:03 p.m.)
        
        Tom - Ever the Gallant (Not !!!)   Patricia AA (9/19/2010 11:35 p.m.)
        
        Meant to Add   Patricia AA (9/19/2010 11:42 p.m.)
        
        Tom's and Edmund's circles   Karen G (9/20/2010 2:19 p.m.)
        
        Edmund   Bridget D (9/18/2010 3:36 a.m.)
        
        Survivor   Robbin (9/16/2010 8:09 p.m.)
        
        Doormat Fanny   Barb JA (9/17/2010 7:33 a.m.)
        
        Oops, should have been a reply to Patricia. nfm   Barb JA (9/17/2010 7:38 a.m.)
        
        LOL - not even a bone!   Karen G (9/17/2010 9:58 a.m.)
        
        Sympathetic View   Barb JA (9/19/2010 7:53 a.m.)
        
        JA always knows best.   Patricia AA (9/17/2010 7:51 p.m.)
        
        It's funny   Barb JA (9/19/2010 8:06 a.m.)
        
        I Have My Bone!!!!   Patricia AA (9/19/2010 10:33 a.m.)
        
        LOL!   Barb JA (9/19/2010 2:12 p.m.)
        
        Fanny and creepmouse   Bridget D (9/19/2010 4:24 a.m.)
        
        Hear hear! (nfm)   Nicki (9/15/2010 4:59 p.m.)
Fanny's Age BarbaraB (9/13/2010 9:30 p.m.)
- To answer your statement... Cathy Allen (9/13/2010 11:16 p.m.)
  - Poor relation Bridget D (9/15/2010 12:59 a.m.)

Groupread is maintained by Myretta with WebBBS 3.21.

View thread | Previous message | Next message Board index

- Jane Austen | Republic of Pemberley -

Quick Index

Home

Site Map

JAInfo