Last Words
Aug. 10th, 2010 09:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
anghraineAwhile back, I read a rather ... hm, peculiar essay on Pride and Prejudice. (Yes, I know. Shocking.) It argued that P&P's conclusion is sekritly subversive and anti-establishment and blah blah blah. This is nothing new, but the essay in question based its argument on the 'fact' that the last words of the book are about the many inconveniences in Darcy and Elizabeth's lives, rather than the 'happily ever after' that the misguided romantics may be expecting.
(In actuality, the last two lines of P&P are as follows:
With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.
I know. It's so edgy.)
Anyway, while this was the first time I'd run across that particular argument (for the obvious reason), I have often come across the idea that The Last Words of either books or characters say tremendously significant things about them.
I've never really thought about it much, so I thought I'd look at the first ten or so of my favourite characters to spring to mind, and see what crops up. (Feel free to add yours, f-list, if that's your thing.) In no particular order, here they are:
(1) Fitzwilliam Darcy, from Pride and Prejudice
I am more likely to want time than courage, Elizabeth. But it ought to be done, and if you will give me a sheet of paper, it shall be done directly.
(2) Faramir, from Lord of the Rings
Behold the King!
(3) Sir Percy Blakeney, from The Scarlet Pimpernel
When you and she are both safely on board the Day Dream, and I feel that Mademoiselle Suzanne's eyes will not greet me in England with reproachful looks, then it will be my turn to rest.
(4) Lady Susan Vernon, from Lady Susan
Adieu, dearest of friends. May the next gouty attack be more favourable! And may you always regard me as unalterably yours, S. Vernon
(5) Aravis, from The Horse and His Boy (Narnia)
Why, he rushed at a lion to save me.
(6) DEATH, from Thief of Time (Discworld)
YES. THIS IS THE NEXT PART.
(7) Aziraphale, from Good Omens
Nothing very important, I think.
(8) Henry, Prince of Wales, later King Henry V, from 1 Henry IV, 2 Henry IV and Henry V
Then shall I swear to Kate, and you to me;
And may our oaths well kept and prosperous be!
(9) Anakin Skywalker, from Return of the Jedi
You were right about me. Tell your sister you were right about me.
(10) Frederick Standen, from Cotillion
And don't you say "Oh no!" because now that we really are engaged, I can dashed well give you anything I like!
(In actuality, the last two lines of P&P are as follows:
With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of uniting them.
I know. It's so edgy.)
Anyway, while this was the first time I'd run across that particular argument (for the obvious reason), I have often come across the idea that The Last Words of either books or characters say tremendously significant things about them.
I've never really thought about it much, so I thought I'd look at the first ten or so of my favourite characters to spring to mind, and see what crops up. (Feel free to add yours, f-list, if that's your thing.) In no particular order, here they are:
(1) Fitzwilliam Darcy, from Pride and Prejudice
I am more likely to want time than courage, Elizabeth. But it ought to be done, and if you will give me a sheet of paper, it shall be done directly.
(2) Faramir, from Lord of the Rings
Behold the King!
(3) Sir Percy Blakeney, from The Scarlet Pimpernel
When you and she are both safely on board the Day Dream, and I feel that Mademoiselle Suzanne's eyes will not greet me in England with reproachful looks, then it will be my turn to rest.
(4) Lady Susan Vernon, from Lady Susan
Adieu, dearest of friends. May the next gouty attack be more favourable! And may you always regard me as unalterably yours, S. Vernon
(5) Aravis, from The Horse and His Boy (Narnia)
Why, he rushed at a lion to save me.
(6) DEATH, from Thief of Time (Discworld)
YES. THIS IS THE NEXT PART.
(7) Aziraphale, from Good Omens
Nothing very important, I think.
(8) Henry, Prince of Wales, later King Henry V, from 1 Henry IV, 2 Henry IV and Henry V
Then shall I swear to Kate, and you to me;
And may our oaths well kept and prosperous be!
(9) Anakin Skywalker, from Return of the Jedi
You were right about me. Tell your sister you were right about me.
(10) Frederick Standen, from Cotillion
And don't you say "Oh no!" because now that we really are engaged, I can dashed well give you anything I like!