The omniscient narrative is great, because it's an outside voice which progresses along with the characters, so it definitely shows us the growth they go through and the growing intimacy, even if they don't use first names in dialogue. I get the feeling it starts out a bit detached and ends up a lot more intense... I mean, I don't think it's a coincidence that, at the ending we don't speak of (you know, the bit with the forehead kiss) they are both "Ewen" and "Keith", and it's masterfully done!
I hope it's not spoiler-ish to say: just wait until you get to "The gleam in the north". The formality of names (or lack thereof) used to show intimacy and trust and feelings is a great thing there, particularly a specific bit which gutted me *cries* Also masterfully done.
I especially like that Keith thinks of himself as well as Ewen by first name more, and by title less, in the later scene from his POV—it gives a sense that he's letting his guard down emotionally, letting himself exist around Ewen as 'Keith' rather than 'Major Windham'.
One of the first things I noticed in this book was how Keith as a character seems to feel less comfortable in his own skin as opposed to Ewen. It was just a feeling, but seeing this analysis sort of makes me think I was right. We're supposed to see Keith's "salvation through human connection", and I think it really shows through the language Broster uses (and particularly, the way the characters refer to themselves and others), so "letting himself exist around Ewen as 'Keith'" is soooo accurate and heartbreaking.
Also, I think Ewen has more different names, because he has two languages to choose from? ;) The other Highland characters sometimes refer to him in Gaelic, so he gets stuff like "Eoghain" and "Mac 'ic Ailein". Oh, and now I'm curious about French, do they ever use it for names? I don't remember, but it's a possibility, especially for Alison's brother?
Broster really was a master of characterisation, and your analysis is so interesting, because it's a very cool angle to explore just how powerful language can be to convey things. This was great, as always! Thanks for sharing it! :D
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: Jun. 15th, 2020 06:57 pm (UTC)The omniscient narrative is great, because it's an outside voice which progresses along with the characters, so it definitely shows us the growth they go through and the growing intimacy, even if they don't use first names in dialogue. I get the feeling it starts out a bit detached and ends up a lot more intense... I mean, I don't think it's a coincidence that, at the ending we don't speak of (you know, the bit with the forehead kiss) they are both "Ewen" and "Keith", and it's masterfully done!
I hope it's not spoiler-ish to say: just wait until you get to "The gleam in the north". The formality of names (or lack thereof) used to show intimacy and trust and feelings is a great thing there, particularly a specific bit which gutted me *cries* Also masterfully done.
One of the first things I noticed in this book was how Keith as a character seems to feel less comfortable in his own skin as opposed to Ewen. It was just a feeling, but seeing this analysis sort of makes me think I was right. We're supposed to see Keith's "salvation through human connection", and I think it really shows through the language Broster uses (and particularly, the way the characters refer to themselves and others), so "letting himself exist around Ewen as 'Keith'" is soooo accurate and heartbreaking.
Also, I think Ewen has more different names, because he has two languages to choose from? ;) The other Highland characters sometimes refer to him in Gaelic, so he gets stuff like "Eoghain" and "Mac 'ic Ailein". Oh, and now I'm curious about French, do they ever use it for names? I don't remember, but it's a possibility, especially for Alison's brother?
Broster really was a master of characterisation, and your analysis is so interesting, because it's a very cool angle to explore just how powerful language can be to convey things. This was great, as always! Thanks for sharing it! :D