Nomenclature
Posted by Valerie Mc. on January 27, 1998 at 21:44:57:
In response to keeping names, written by Laura W on January 25, 1998 at 17:32:34
] You are correct and this is one of my greatest pet peeves about modern Regency novels-- overuse of first names.
It's my biggest peeve about the movies, too, even the really good Persuasion - everybody sounds a bit too chummy.
Austen conveys a lot about her characters in the way they use each others' names. Besides the obvious Elton vulgarity, there's Frank Churchill. His delicate reluctance to call his fiancee by her first name is very ironic in view of the liberties he takes with her feelings in other respects. And it's very telling that although Emma makes a big deal of Harriet's supposed gentility, she never invites her to say "Emma". Also Emma's inability to use Mr. Knightley's first name is very touching, and shows the shyness she hides under all that sophistication.
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