Happy Symbols on the 4th

Happy Independence Day to fellow Americans. Holidays are certainly different nowadays from the Regency era. It might have been nice to have a few scenes with some wonderful celebrations; but it seems life back then was rather holiday-less!

Well, the British certainly were in no mood to celebrate the American 4th of July (although the holiday did not exist nationwide until 1870, Boston celebrated it first in 1783 with NC the first state to do so that same year). But I suspect, back in the regency era, it was a day of quiet anger. Chip, chip, chip. America was but a small chip breaking away from its mother. Ironic isn't it. Breaking away from one's parents and siblings is also an underlying theme of P&P. Did Jane Austen feel this change and somehow it became a subtle symbol that perhaps she may not have been aware of?

Philosophers and poets can find hidden meaning in everything. They can look at a stream running through a path and write all about how this is a symbol of something catastrophic or life changing. lol Well, I have always delved into symbolism and there is plenty in my story (and irony too); but I can assure you I ain't no poet! lol We use to say, a'int a'int in the dictionary. Well it is and has been recognized as a word back in 1749. I used to look up the strangest things. But back to my thought, since I seem to have one today, symbols.

John Phillip Sousa wrote rousing marches and there was plenty of cymbol action! lol I know I am in a 4th of July mode today.

When a story has a symbol or two it rouses my interest I am a person that likes puzzles and I enjoy reading between the lines, under the lines, around the lines, over the lines and why even the lines themselves. I like authors that have taken the time to study human nature and family life and well anything beyond the normal kiss kiss stuff. I like there to be hidden meanings and underlying themes and symbols.

In addition to the obvious (well now that I explained it) symbol of aristocrat vs tradesman for the race, I also answered Kent at AHA and revealed that yes the gentlemen took time out to play games which was suppose to be one of those symbols - the gentry was great at leisure (which a conversation about that happened earlier in the story) and the tradesmen's boys were trying to fit in and show they too can compete for wasted and expensive time. It is symbol for greater symbols. I know I am symboling you to death here, but I hear the resonating sounds going off as the fireworks are bursting in air, the rockets red glare, and I am giving proof through this blog that I am still here! Songs live in my brain all the time.

Oh, and Melda, if I am fortunate enough to have you as a reader here, I answered your question this morning. No hidden words, no clever retorts, no symbols. Just plain truth. Happy 4th.

Now I am off to spend my day celebrating in a small American town. You know, a parade (ours is for little tricycles decorated beautifully and ridden by the wee ones), food, music, fireworks and well, friends.

gayle