I'm not so much a sucker for the romance in the books as I am for the descriptions and actions of her characters. I think she is so funny and astute. I love the silly ways of the people in her stories and the misconceptions and misunderstandings in which the characters become entangled.
Today I started Northanger Abbey, and I've become inspired to use some of the words that Jane uses. Below are some of my top picks. Will I actually incorporate these more frequently into my vocabulary? It's anyone's guess. But at least I've pretended I will by posting about it. Oh, and I've also included a passage I like for the dry accuracy of the phrase on purpose - or maybe just for the old school (or just not American?) usage. Sounds like something Doc Martin would say.
pg 14: ...I wish you would try to keep some account of the money you spend. I will give you this little book on purpose.
auspice
–noun, plural aus·pic·es
1.
2.
Often, auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
3.
a divination or prognostication, originally from observing birds.
machinate
–verb (used without object), verb (used with object), -nat·ed, -nat·ing.
to contrive or plot, especially artfully or with evil purpose: to machinate the overthrow of the government.
vicissitude
–noun
2.
interchange or alternation, as of states or things.
3.
4.
regular change or succession of one state or thing toanother.
5.
change; mutation; mutability.
propensity
–noun, plural -ties.
1.
a natural inclination or tendency: a propensity to drink too much.
2.
Obsolete . favorable disposition or partiality.
profligacy
–noun
1.
shameless dissoluteness.
2.
reckless extravagance.
3.
great abundance.
Now that you are under the auspices of the township of Asheville, with its vicissitude of seasons, I hope you will continue to machinate your propensity for the profligacy of the excellent food and drink to which you and Chris are accustomed.
ReplyDeleteWow! You are good. Really good.
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