The Last Chronicle of Barset
Chapters 67 to 69 |
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[64-66]
[70-72] |
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Chapter 67
In Memoriam |
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In Memoriam
The title of this chapter is a Latin phrase meaning "to the memory
[of]," often used in reference to the deceased. [EB] |
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He mixed up this information with so much medical Latin
Dr. Filgrave's report about Mrs. Proudie's heart condition is
described as having little effect on Bishop Proudie since the doctor makes
excessive use of confusing Latin terminology. [EB] |
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That lady's patronage
Mrs. Quiverful is described as having been received her home from
the "patronage" of Mrs. Proudie. This recalls the Roman patron-client
relationship, in which a citizen of higher status gave various favors and
opportunities to a client of lower social status. [EB] |
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Halcyon days
This phrase, which is often used in English to refer to fondly remembered
times in the past, derives from the classical myth about Ceyx and Alcyone
found in Ovid's Metamorphoses book 11. In the story, Alcyone warns
her beloved husband Ceyx that she feels that he would be in danger if he
goes on a planned sea voyage. He sails despite her concern and is drowned
in a storm. Since Alcyone sacrificed to Hera for Ceyx's safety, the
goddess took pity on her and revealed her husband's fate in a dream.
Alcyone finds his body on the shore, and the gods turn them both into
birds, kingfishers who mate during seven days in the winter known as
'"halcyon days" when the sea is perfectly calm. [EB] |
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Your proverb of "De mortuis"
The full Latin phrase referenced by Archdeacon and Mrs. Grantly in
their conversation is "De mortuis nil nisi bonum dicendum est,"
meaning "About the dead nothing but good must be spoken." The phrase is
attributed to Chilo by Diogenes Laertius.
http://www.bartleby.com/100/720.10.html
[EB] |
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There was a broken column
Mrs. Proudie's grave features this element that is taken from
classical architecture. The fact that the column is broken suggests a
feeling of grief rather than the usual connotations of austerity attached
to classical art and architecture. [EB] |
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Requiescat in Pace
This Latin phrase means "may s/he rest in peace" and is often found
on tombstones. [EB] |
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Chapter 68
The Obstinacy of Mr Crawley |
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The presiding genius at the palace
This phrase is used to describe the late Mrs. Proudie. The
"genius" was a spirit that ruled over a specific place, such as a home, in
Roman religion. Mrs. Proudie's influence in church politics makes this
description of her as a powerful supernatural being fitting.
http://www.bartleby.com/65/ge/genius.html
[EB] |
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Now for Pindar
Mr.
Crawley turns to Pindar with
Jane after Robart's visit, again demonstrating the way in which he turns
to the classics for comfort during his difficulties. Pindar wrote odes to
victorious athletes, and so his texts are a fitting choice for
Crawley after he has successfully
upheld his convictions about leaving his position while speaking to Mr.
Robarts. [EB] |
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Chapter 69
Mr Crawley's Last Appearance on his own Pulpit |
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Be critical on Euripides
Mr. Crawley tells Jane not to criticize Thumble's sermon, but
rather turn her criticisms to "profane" matters such as the works of
Euripides.
Crawley suggests Euripides, traditionally considered the most
controversial of the Greek tragedians, since he seemed to be irreverent
towards the gods. As in other incidents throughout the novel, Crawley's
active engagement with classics shows that his mood is improving. [EB] |
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[64-66]
[70-72] |
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