Assuming An Author's Mannerisms

The last seven days have been a bit hectic. Work has demanded more of my time, and there was more DD drama over the weekend. Something had to go, so reading had to take a back seat. But I finally finished Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen). And I really enjoyed it. One more book to cross off the bucket list. I also made some headway with The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas). And I have The A.B.C. Murders (Agatha Christie) and Peril At End House (Agatha Christie) on hold at the library - unabridged audio versions, thank you.

I am a fan of www.Pinterest.com, and I love it when I find a pin that expresses exactly how I feel when I'm reading. Some of the sayings include

• Book Hangover: Inability to start a new book because you're still living in the last book's world.
• After I read a good book I have a hard time coping with reality.
• That moment when you finish a book, look around, and realize that everyone is just carrying on with their lives as though you didn't just experience emotional trauma at the hands of a paperback.

But I have yet to find one that expresses: "Am I the only one who talks and writes like the time period of the book I just finished reading?" I am laughing at myself right now because I am struggling. I find myself thinking in long, wordy sentences peppered with words such as "approbation" and "vouchsafe". And my struggles are due to the three Jane Austen books I've read in the last month. I find I get so engrossed in a book I assume the mannerisms, terminology, and way of speaking. It's not so bad when I read a book written with more present day phrasing. But other time periods?

I remember the time I attended a reception with my parents and sister after having finished a period piece.  I was talking about an incident I'd witnessed and could only come up with 'brouhaha' to describe it. My sister, only three years younger than me, burst out laughing at my word choice. I still use the word 'brouhaha' because I think that in some cases, it is the best description for what I am discussing. --- See? I'm trying to be brief in my word usage, but as much as I try, my sentences are a bit convoluted. Just think how I'll be talking and writing after I've read Chaucer and Dante! I don't think I'll even understand myself!

Another thing about the writings of Jane Austen's era; passive tense. In present day English passive tense is the use of words such as "have been" or "will have done" or "will be doing". Active tense is much less wordy and a lot more straightforward.  Here is a quote from Pride and Prejudice:

 “I have faults enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little yielding— certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I cannot forget the follies and vices of other so soon as I ought, nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.”

In present day English (my interpretation):

"I am not perfect myself. I have a temper, I hold a grudge, and once you lose my respect it's gone for good."

I am a big fan of active tense. Part of my job is writing technical documents, and active tense is critical in clearly describing technical specs. Not that there isn't plenty of passive tense in present day books. (How do you like that sentence!) It takes some getting used to. Then once you are used to reading the style, subsequent books are much easier to read.

That said, while it makes sense to read the remaining Jane Austen books, I don't want to overdose on her yet. Just like a good wine, I want to savor these books. So, some Agatha Christie (written about 100 years after Jane Austen) is in my immediate future. That and finishing The Count of Monte Cristo. After that? Some Sci Fi may be in order. A change of genre is always a good thing!