Classics Retold

An overcoat of Noachian cut is a literary phrase meaning an extremely old fashioned, ancient or outdated coat. The term origanates from Thomas Hardy's 1874 Victorian novel, Far From The Madding Crowd, where it is used to describe the disguise of the character Sergeant Troy.  Noachian refers directly to the biblical figure Noah and the Great Flood.  Describing a garment's cut as Noachian is a humorous exaggeration implying the style is so old it dates back to Noah's Ark.  In Chapter 52 of the novel sergeant Troy wears a heavy grey overcoat of Noachian cut, with cape and high collar.  The collar is described as stiff, upright, and rigid like a wall.  In the late19th century it was archaic but were common in the late 18th and early 19th century; but looked relics by the late Victorian era. 

Factotum is a man employed to do a wide variety of jobs, handling diverse tasks, responsibilities, and odd jobs for the employer. It essentially means a jack-of-all-trades.  Etymology:-  The word comes from Medieval Latin phrase "fac totum" meaning do everything (fac = do; totum = everything) Synonyms: right hand man, handy man, gofer. 

In Chapter 52 of Far From The Madding Crowd, sergeant Troy speaks to Pennyways, of his wife Bathsheba when he says "..... this haughty goddess, dashing piece of womanhood, Juno wife of mine has a more nuanced meaning than a simply domineering wife.  Juno was the queen of Roman gods and the wife of Jupiter.  She was celebrated for her majestic beauty and dignity.  She was the protectress of marriage.  Troy is speaking with a mixture of admiration, irony, and possessiveness.  By calling Bathsheba "a haughty goddess", he acknowledges her pride and commanding personality.  "A dashing piece of womanhood" emphasizes her striking beauty and spirit.  Juno-wife of mine means my queenly magnificent wife.  It is an elevated classical compliment rather than an insult.  Yet there is irony.  Troy has abandoned Bathsheba, squandered his opportunities, and now returning largely because of her wealth. Calling her Juno-wife is his theatrical way of speaki...

In Chapter 52 of Far From The Madding Crowd, Hardy brings in three Jewish characters from the book of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego.  They were the officials in the court of Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon.  When the king commanded everyone to worship a giant golden image, the three men refused because they would worship only their God.  As a punishment, they were thrown into fire, but the intense heat killed the soldiers who threw them into the fire. But the three men, however were not burned.  The king then saw a mysterious fourth figure walking with them in the flames.  They emerged unharmed, and the king acknowledged the power of their God.  These names were synonymous with people who endure persecution and severe trial. Hardy invokes biblical story to invoke the preparation of the Christmas party hosted by Boldwood. 

The combination of holly and ivy represents the duality of winter greenary, bridging the pre-pagan traditions and Christian Symbolism.  Together, they represent masculine and feminine aspects respectively of  nature, symbolizing rebirth, eternal life, and the contrast of light in the darkest part of the year.  Holly is traditionally viewed as a symbol of Jesus Christ: its sharp, prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns, the white blossoms represent His purity, and the red berries symbolize the blood He shed for humanity.  Ivy is long interpreted as the feminine counterpart to holly, and is tied to Virgin Mary.  Because it clings to structures and trees for support, it represents humanity's need to cling to God for support and protection.  Pagan Roots:- Long before the Christian era, ancient Celtic and Roman cultures decorated their homes with evergreens during the Winter Solstice.  Holly was associated with goodluck, peace, and protection against e...

Mistletoe is an evergreen plant that grows as a parasite on a host tree. It is known for its white berries and pale yellow flowers, and is popularly used as a festive Christmas decoration under which it is customary to kiss. Etymology:- The word mistletoe comes from Old English misteltan, combining mistel meaning dung or bird's dropping and tan meaning twig.  The earliest Anglo-saxon observers noticed the plant growing where birds had left their droppings, which is why the name historically translates to dung-on-a-twig. Symbolism and Traditions:- Tradition of kissing under mistletoe stems from Norse mythology, where the plant was associated with Frigg, the Goddess of love, who vowed to protect her son Baldur from harm using mistletoe. It evolved into romance and goodwill during the 18th and 19th centuries England. Because it remains green and bears fruit during the dead of winter, ancient cultures like the Druids viewed it as a symbol of life, vitality and and fertility. Biology:-...