Fictional Characters

A couple of alerts for today, August 19:

Twenty-third International Congress of Onomastic Sciences (ICOS)
Toronto (Canada)
August 17-22, 2008

August 19, 08:30 AM
First Names of Fictional Characters in Novels by Charlotte Bronte
H Barry III
University of Pittsburgh, United States

An author who selects the first name of a person for a fictional character forms a subjective connection between the namesakes. More than two dozen first names were the same for a fictional character and an important acquaintance of Charlotte Bronte. In two of the four novels, "The Professor" and "Villette," the fictional English narrator taught and loved in Brussels, Belgium.

Four examples follow. Charlotte Bronte's only fictional Charlotte, who is briefly mentioned in "Villette," plans a romantic and imprudent marriage. Frances Atkinson was godmother of Charlotte Bronte. In "The Professor," the fictional Frances Evans Henri marries the narrator. Edward Carter was a hospitable vicar. In "Jane Eyre," the fictional Edward Rochester eventually marries Jane Eyre. Charlotte Bronte rejected a marriage proposal by an Irish curate, David Bryce. In "Shirley," the fictional David Sweeting is a likable Irish curate.

The connections between the namesakes are selective, not comprehensive. Charlotte Bronte revealed that a family member or acquaintance was the model for more than two dozen fictional characters given a different first name and surname. An example is that Monsieur Constantin Heger, whom Charlotte Bronte loved, was the model for the fictional Professor Paul Carlos David Emanuel in "Villette."

We are considerable confused and/or perplexed after reading the abstract of the conference

And Wide Sargasso Sea in Marshfield, MA

Ventress Library Book Group to Discuss "Wide Sargasso Sea" By Jean Rhys on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 from 4:30-6

The Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield hosts an ongoing book discussion group. The next session will meet on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 from 4:30-6:00 in the library's Historical Room. The group seeks to delve into classic literature and find fresh insights while considering modern-day perspectives. "Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys, was written in 1966 and conceives a prequel to Charlotte Bronte's 1847 novel "Jane Eyre" by detailing the life of the first Mrs. Rochester or the mysterious "madwoman in the attic." Contact reference librarian Chris Woods if you need a copy of the book. Sign up in advance to reserve a seat, or just come on the day to listen. The program is free and open to the public. New members are always welcome. Light refreshments will be served. For more information please call the library at 781-834-5535 or visit www.ventresslibrary.org

Categories: Alert, Scholar, Talks, Wide Sargasso Sea