Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Intriguing Gestures

I think... I found... a nonverbal euphemism. "'Last night she was, perhaps, a little--' She put her head on one hand and rocked it up and down." We've been informed that Brett was, in fact, drunk. Thusly, we can infer that in 1920's terms, putting one's head on one's hand and rocking it up and down implies intoxication.

This chapter is full of colloquialisms as well. "She is of a very good family." I believe that means the concierge thinks Brett has been raised well, but no one says that in the contemporary times. I mean, what is a "good family," anyway?

Boatloads of indirect characterization crop up in this chapter as well. The Count brings roses and further illustrates his sophistication with his knowledge of wines and champaignes. Brett solidifies her role as a "flapper" with her uncouth language and men's hats. (Well, the men's hat thing happened a few chapters ago, but she curses like a sailor.) Jake makes himself look pretty desperate, in my opinion. Oh yes, let me just go put on some clothes. Come on in. I think Brett likes it, which is why I'm not a fan of Brett, myself. She's got this secret husband, and this fiancée of whom she allegedly never thinks, and then there are poor old Jake and Robert and more or less every other male character she meets. It's irritating.

I'm ranting now, so I guess I'll move on to the next chapter.

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