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| Beetle and Wedge |
Radmer asks Rachel to prepare for a transplant and then later, for scheduling reasons, she is 'thankful the transplant has fallen through' (Who had to die to help her make a date?). The Great Betty has no problem throwing innocent people under the plot bus. In A Suitable Match, Colin reflects on 'kindly fate' that allowed him the opportunity to marry Eustacia. Kindly fate? Kindly fate killed off his brother and sister-in-law. What's the take-away here? Beware kindly fate in Neeldom.
There are two Americans in this one: one a tart-y blonde actress and the other a likable Texan nurse who says 'honey'. That's what I like to see, evenhandedness, and hey, way to go Texas. Actually, I'm pretty impressed when anyone who isn't a U.S. citizen is familiar with more than two or three states. The Great Betty mentions Florida, California and Texas in various books. As far as U.S. cities, I'm going to have to say Boston is the most referenced - a grand total of twice (Fate is Remarkable and A Dream came True).
She also mentions Oregon in The Silver Thaw!
ReplyDeleteAlso, one of the lines in my book for next week (The Right Kind of Girl) is 'Boston, USA?' And then the bewildered wife gets to hear the RDDs entire itinerary of his American trip.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the hideous brother who gets relegated to a career in Pittsburgh.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least she opened the atlas for you folks. All Canada gets is an evil orchard destroying stepfather and some unnamed pregnant sisters,but nary a mention of a city or province. I'm pretty sure it Bettyworld, Canada and New Zealand were in the same realm (still OK because we haven't thrown over the Queen but too far away to be civilized - a step up from a Brazilian mine).
ReplyDeleteYeah, Betty wasn't a one for Crossing the Pond, in any way, shape or form. ;-)
ReplyDeleteDo you think that was a fairly common attitude among her generation? They didn't have opportunities, so it just didn't bear thinking about?
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Here's my observation - when she does have an incidental American character in her story, Neels doesn't get the language right. She often has them say something like (and not a direct quote) "Oh DO go there . . ." We Americans never use the word DO like that. As an aside, I also think that Betty doesn't get children correct either - she often has their developemental level incorrect. She'll have a 7 year old speaking like a teenager and a 10 year old drawing like a 4 year old. Anyone else ever notice this?
ReplyDeleteBettyellen -- I hadn't noticed the erroneous American speech, but then I might not, being as I'm on my second RBW (rich British whatever -- although "rich" speaks more to character than actual wealth).
ReplyDeleteBut here getting the developmental age of children wrong is classic, and consistent with her main characters. There's very little difference between 22 year-old and 29 year-old heroines (apart from harping about their ages) and all heroes are pretty stolid, again regardless of their ages.
Betty Caitlin, I could swear there has been mention of Ottawa. I just can't remember which book. Also, I love that bit about the mother come back from Canada married to a green grocer who was planning to plow under the grounds. Delicious set-up. (Though my national pride would be injured if that's the best that's offered.)
ReplyDeleteOttawa? Really? Now, I'll be in search of that needle in a hay stack. That's my home town!
ReplyDeleteWith respect to the kids - I always thought their "maturity" was simply the product of the time in which our Betty had her child. Seen and not heard, etc. I suspect she'd think my posse were little hooligans.
A beetle and wedge are tools: A tool resembling a hammer but with a large head (usually wooden); used to drive wedges or ram down paving stones or for crushing or beating or flattening or smoothing
ReplyDeletecourtesy of http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/beetle.htm
Wow. Thanks for the additional info. It's not even 8AM and already I'm smarter.
ReplyDelete