Handwriting
Jan. 25th, 2012 11:43 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
heather_mist posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
where_awayStephen said, ‘Will I tell you another of Plato’s observations?’
‘Pray do,’ said Jack, his smile briefly returning.
‘It should please you, since you have a very pretty hand. Hinksey quoted it when I dined with him in London and we were discussing the bill of fare: “Calligraphy,” says Plato, “is the physical manifestation of an architecture of the soul.” That being so, mine must be a turf-and-wattle kind of soul, since my handwriting must be disowned by a backward cat; whereas yours, particularly on your charts, has a most elegant flow and clarity, the outward form of a soul that might have conceived the Parthenon.’ (TC Chapter 6)
This is one of my favourite quotes because I like using fountain pens, dip pens, and inks for writing - a far more civilised method of creating than the utility of a computer keyboard. Sadly however I have far too much affinity with Stephen's handwriting than I would like, although I long to have Jack's 'elegant flow and clarity'. A backward cat would probably laugh at my attempts.
no subject
Date: 2012-01-26 06:00 am (UTC)Because we get a description of Jack's handwriting, I feel that you may like to add the tag 'character info'
no subject
Date: 2012-01-26 12:24 pm (UTC)(I have just ordered some new seals from the USA including a sailing ship! I can't wait to use them when they arrive...)
no subject
Date: 2012-01-26 05:51 pm (UTC)I am still missing out on a seal, but I definitely love my caligraphy pen. :D
no subject
Date: 2012-01-26 07:19 pm (UTC)http://www.nostalgicimpressions.com/category_s/58.htm
I nearly bought the compass rose as well, but as I had already chosen 4 others (blush!!) I felt I had to draw the line somewhere, particularly as I don't want to get stung with a hefty import duty (although that may still happen...) - I've also gone for the seashell, a peacock, an owl (of course!) and a pineapple ... because I like pineapples! Hugely self-indulgent I'm afraid.
:-)
no subject
Date: 2012-01-26 07:26 pm (UTC)Indeed, the clipper looks wonderful. You must post a photo of its first impression.
I had to laugh at the palm-tree, not because I found it hideous (indeed it is a fine specimen) but because it reminded me of Jack climbing a palm-tree (FSotW, I think) which then swayed under his weight. ;D
no subject
Date: 2012-01-26 07:36 pm (UTC)It was FSotW just after they had left the infamous proa - and Stephen was getting snarky thinking that Jack was up the palm tree scoffing on coconuts while he sat below starving pitifully, the poor lamb. (Actually Jack had seen the ship which had driven all other thoughts from his mind of course).
Maybe next year... Still, the pineapple - Jack cutting Stephen slices of pineapple... so many lovely scenes!
no subject
Date: 2012-01-26 07:49 pm (UTC)Reading O'Brian conjures up many unusual connotations, all difficult to explain.
Stephen was getting snarky thinking that Jack was up the palm tree scoffing on coconuts
...on the other hand showing his absolute trust in anything shippy that Jack says. *remembers that Stephen was not astonished when the Surprise boats came to the rescue*
As you say, so many lovely scenes for this comm.
Have just posted the buttercup-yellow hair
More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-27 01:12 pm (UTC)having heard but reflecting upon his friend's large, clear, somewhat round and feminine hand, his instant reaction in time of nautical crisis, and his not uncommon ineptitudes.
(chapter five)
:D
Please to add a tag for book: 19(hundred days). Thank you
Re: More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-27 01:45 pm (UTC)This surprised me when I read it - I would never have associated Jack with having a feminine hand... I supppose he may have been taught to write by dear Queenie, but even so... It is an odd comment I feel.
Re: More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-27 01:49 pm (UTC)Re: More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-27 01:55 pm (UTC)*nods*
Meanwhile I am very glad to know that anyone contemplating my handwriting would instantly know therefore I was a gentleman in spirit at least (even though the anatomy refutes it!)
Re: More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-27 02:10 pm (UTC)I was a gentleman in spirit at least
LOL. Goodness knows what anyone would make of mine. That I am about six years old.
Re: More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-27 02:36 pm (UTC)Re: More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-27 07:27 pm (UTC)Still... feminine... midshipman Ophelia frockery aside, it's not really the first word that springs to mind with big, beefy, hearty Jack, is it?
Re: More on Jack's handwriting
Date: 2012-01-28 08:45 am (UTC)I know that Stephen admires his friend's handwriting and has complimented him on it before, but feminine? It is an unusual choice of words.
So what does the writer want to tell us?