-----shire
Posted by Barry on June 22, 1998 at 17:52:28:
In response to another small point to ponder, written by Gayle on June 14, 1998 at 22:42:28
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] ] I know that it is the smallest of points, but it has puzzled me nonetheless. --Barry
] Barry, as long as we are pondering small points, why does she sometimes refer to places as ----shire or such - like she's leaving out part of the name to protect the innocent or something. Was she trying to leave it up to the imagination for the reader to supply the place? She doesn't do this at all times. Obviously, we know that the Elliots have gone to Bath in Persuasion, etc. But, other times, she is elusive about places. Why? Do you know? Just something else to give me gray hair, I guess. Gayle
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Gayle, I had always thought that Jane Austen reverted to using -----shire when referring to things that might vaguely be characterized as matters of State. Such as the name of the militia regiment in P & P, for example. But I have never reviewed her books to thoroughly check on the circumstances when she does this, to see if my theory has at least surface plausibility. Any counter theories, Gayle? And there are plenty of other obscure (yet to us apparently interesting) questions of this type still to be plumbed.
Incidentally, I have had computer problems, which is why my response has been so delayed. At least Jane Austen never had to worry about her hard drive crashing! Barry
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