Classics Retold

Saturday.  Market-house. Boldwood as usual was present, when Bathsheba entered the market-house. Unlike the previous occasion, the farmer took a look at her. It was the look of a reaper at a passing train -- something foreign to his perception.  He saw her black hair, her curves and profile, her eyelids, eyes and eyelashes, and the shape of her ear. He noticed her skirt and the very sole of her shoes. To the best of his judgement she was a perfect one of an imperfect many. His heart began to move within him. Though forty years of age, Boldwood had never before scrutinized a woman so sharply and at wide angles.  Was her beauty real? He was not sure of himself. He furtively said to a neighbour, "Is Miss Everdene considered handsome?"  "Oh, yes; she was a good deal noticed the first time she came, you remember. A very handsome girl indeed."  It satisfied Boldwood very much. He wanted no more evidence. And this woman had sent him a missive "Marry me". Those tw...

There were many business women in Dorchester during the second half of 19th century. While many women's businesses in these period were in respectable fields like dressmaking, hat making, or running small shops, they were active  participants economic life of the area. The following were some of the prominent among them. 1. Sarah Baker (1805 - 1866) Identified as a 19th century business woman in Upham’s Corner. She operated a successful bandbox business in the Savin Hill for over 40 years. She had a savings of ,$5000 and in her will funded the construction of Baker Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, at Upham's corner. 2. Judith Foster and Clementina Beach: Operated an academy for young women on Meeting-House Hill during 19th century. They founded Elite Boarding school for Girls in Dorchester. Women were involved in running private academies, and towards the end of the century, practising medicine. Example: Dr Mary Mary Safford-Blake (1834  - 1891) As in other parts of Boston...

All Saints Church, Melchester.  A week day. Morning. The small congregation mainly of women and girls rose from its knees at the end of a service without sermon. They were about to disperse, but their attention was arrested by smart footsteps entering the porch and coming up the central passage. It echoed with a ring unusual in a church. It was the clink of spurs. Everybody looked. A young cavalry soldier in red uniform, with the three chevrons of a sergeant upon his sleeve, strode up the aisle. His presence embarassed the women and girls; especially by intense vigour of his steps and the seriousness upon his face. He felt his movement challenging through, with women on either side of  the aisle. Passing on through the chancel arch he never paused, and came close to the altar railing. Here, he stood for a moment.  The deacon who had not yet took off his vestment saw the new comer and followed him to the communion rail. He whispered to the soldier and then beckoned to the ...

Jacquemart is a self operating machine, an animated, mechanised figure of a person, usually made from wood or metal, which strikes the hours on a bell with hammer. They are part of clocks or clocktowers and are erected at the top of the construction. It is also known as Jack of the Clock or Jack. One of the oldest and well-known jacquemarts is found on the south tower of the Cathedral Church of Notre Dame of Dijon. It was installed by Philip II of  Burgundy, 1383. The word is originally French, but is disputed. 

The scarlet and orange light outside the Malthouse. But this light did not reach its inside. There was a dim light coming from the glow of the hearth. The malster, after his sleep was sitting beside a three legged table, breakfasting off bread and bacon. This was eaten without the aid of any plates: he placed a slice of bread on the table; put meat upon the bread; spread mustard plaster upon the meat; and a pinch of salt upon the whole; cut them vertically downward with a large pocket-knife; and lifted it to his mouth. He had no teeth, and he used his hard gum to chew the food. By opening   the door of the malthouse Henery Fray entered. Stamping the snow from his boot he advanced towards the fire. Mathew Moon, Joseph Poorgrass and other carters followed him. They had just come out from the cart-horse stable.  "And how is she getting on without a bailiff?" asked the malster. Henery Fray shook his head and smiled bitterly, "She is going to regret her decision. Pennyways wa...

Dandle-smack-and-coddle is not a fixed idiom but a cluster of old English verbs that all belong to same semantic field. It can be interpreted as physical affection, indulgence, and over-tender handling - especially of children. Each word has its own history and naunce, and when combined, they create a rich, almost poetic expression of pampering, fondling, spoiling, or overindulgent care.  Let us break it down:  1. Dandle: To bounce a child on the knee, playfully lift, rock, or handle with affection.  She dandled the baby upon her knee. The word derived from Middle English, probably meaning imitative or repetitive motion (like jiggle, or jiggle) It is playful physical action. Rhythmic, gentle action. Parental tender movement. 2. Smack:  Light tapping, kissing sound, or playful slaps, especially affectionate ones. She gave the child a smack upon the cheek. It is friendly, not violent. 3. Coddle:  To treat someone with excessive care, indulgence and protection. Der...

The evening of St Valentine's day. At dusk Boldwood sat down to supper as usual by a beaming fire of aged logs. Upon the mantle-shelf before him was a time-piece on top of which was placed a spread eagle. Upon the eagle's wings was the letter sent by Bathsheba. His gaze lingered on the letter, as he sat eating and drinking, and he fancied the words thereon, although they were out of his sight.  "Marry me"  Since the receipt of the missive in the morning his peaceful existence had been spreading into an abnormal distortion in the particular direction of an ideal passion.  When Boldwood went to bed, he placed the valentine in the corner of the looking glass. He was conscious of its presence even when his back was turned upon it. It was first time in his life that such an event occurred. Some woman's hand had travelled softly over the paper bearing his name. The unknown woman's eyes had watched every curve as she wrote it. She had imagined him the while. What had...