The Countess G-- ?

[Shea]

I'm currently reading Dumas', The Count of Monte Cristo. There is a character called the Countess G--. I found the same idea when I read Hugo's, Le Miserables. Is this a French author paradox? Can someone tell me the reason for introducing caracters by only their first initial? :-? [/i]

[Jay]

Well, not only French authors use the introduction of a character by using a first letter of his/her name. If you've ever read something by Kafka, you would notice he also did it. I think the authors might not find the name of the character so important for the plot they just don't use them. But I'd like to know if somebody had different opinion. Good idea of asking about this, Shea. Oh, and by the way, welcome among us.

[Shea]

Thanks for the info and the welcome! I am thoroughly enjoying this site!
By the way, would you recommend reading Kafka? I'm not familiar with that author.

Anyone else have any ideas about the Countess G--?

[Jay]

If you enjoy reading existentionalistic works, you should probably try to read some of Kafka's pieces, The Metamorphosis (or something like that could be the title in English) would be the best to begin with. It's not so complicated or long (I think it has at about a hundred pages? Maybe a little bit more, it's been ages since I've read it).

[Shea]

I met someone today who saw me reading this book and commented on it. I asked him about the Countess G--, and he said that it was to keep locations private. Evidently, G-- is also supposed to be the name of a place. But what I don't understand, is why would that matter in a fictional book anyway.

Can anyone verify the validity of this guy's statement?

Better yet can someone point me in the right research direction? (This question is what brought me to this site in the first place. With nearly 30 posts already, how long would you say I've been starved for literature feedback? :o )

[Blackadder]

You find that initial stuff in a lot of older books. I think it's only in the last century that you start to find those little disclaimers at the beginning of books, the ones that say "any resemblence to persons living or dead is purely coincidental" or something like that. People used to get sued for libel all the time. Henry Fielding's plays were banned from the stage because the PM at the time, Walpole, was furious at being satirized.

There are two reasons I can think of for the initial thing.

One, I understand that many aristocrats, clergy, etc. often saw themselves in books and were upset for one reason or another. It's probably thanks to authors like Jonathon Swift, Henry Fielding, etc. who are to blame for later writers having to obscure names like that.

Two, it can be used as a touch of realism by some authors, sort of like a "the name have been changed to protect the innocent," etc. It's as if to say, "I can't really give this person's name because they're still alive somewhere and I'll get sued."

[Tabac]

I'm currently reading Dumas', The Count of Monte Cristo. There is a character called the Countess G--. I found the same idea when I read Hugo's, Le Miserables. Is this a French author paradox? Can someone tell me the reason for introducing caracters by only their first initial? :-? [/i]

Names of streets are also often simply "Rue M..". I guess it's like the deal on American TV now, where all phone numbers said aloud have the prefix 555 - xxxx. Too many people would pick up on a number said on screen and give it a call...much to the consternation of the live person who had that number. (Some people just have too much time on their hands!)

[Shea]

Thanks for the info guys!! Your responses made a lot more sense!

I have another question in the general literature thread. But it's about the plot and might spoil the story for others, so I won't post it here. If you've read the story and can answer my question I'd really appreciate it!!!!! The topic heading has big bold letters, "DON'T READ..." Thanks again!

[readermom]

Hi, I am also reading The Count of Monte Cristo, I am on Chapter 54, Rise and Fall. I am reading the Penguin Classic edition, translated by Robin Buss. In his footnotes, he says this about Countess G---, from chapter 34, where we first meet her: "It is clear from the manuscript that Dumas is thinking of Byron's mistress, Countess Teresa Guiccioli."
Byron is mentioned several times in the book also.
So I believe this reference is to an actual person of the time.
Happy reading!

p.s. do a google search on that name and you will find historical reference, as well as the tie to the book The Count of Monte Cristo.