Posted by Lesley on July 28, 1997 at 00:18:20:
In reply to Re: Horse Chestnuts posted by Caroline on July 27, 1997 at 22:54:12
] 4. The whole of P&P2 is loaded with symbolism based on English folklore and folk songs, and I am sure that Andrew Davies and Sue Birtwhistle are absolutely aware of the nature of the Smith in folklore.(to put it briefly,the smith is renowned for his wisdom, strength and, er, prowess.) I am quite sure Colin Firth was aware of it too! There's a bit of a smirk on Colin's face as he says the line, which I always think shows that he has a something else in mind when he speaks it!
] This folklore thing is even more pronounced in Emma 3, IMHO
I can identify with KathyF's discomfort because I had to recite the village blacksmith in 5th grade for English class. The whole class had to do this and my reciting partner was a girl named Susan Jenkins. We did pretty well but I was in agony the whole time!
Caroline, I would really like to discuss this symbolism with you. It is one of my favorite topics. I've never been able to make my self read The Golden Bough but I am familiar with some English folk traditions. I am fascinated with neolithic Britain and the old (Pagan) traditions and how they were blended with Christianity. Just to let you know some of the books I have read: Mysterious Britain by Janet and Colin Bord, The Endless Calvacade by (can't remember), The Green Man by William Anderson, Neolithic Britain by (can't remember) and The Language of Clothes by Alison Lurie.
Sadly, I am pretty clueless about the symbolism that you are talking about in P&P and Emma. I guess that the chestnut tree allusion was a sly joke forshadowing D&E's eventual union and Darcy's, er, prowess in that area.
As far as Emma, the most obvious thing would be the Harvest supper that was substituted for the Wedding. And how about that Wedding cake thingie in S&S? Doesn't it symbolize fertility as well?
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