Hurtfew Abbey
Elizabeth's link reminds me that one of the many significant names in the novel is the name of Mr. Norrell's house, Hurtfew Abbey. This nicely echoes Norrell's cautious attitude toward magic (or vice versa). It's akin to the doctor's adage: "Above all else, do no harm."
posted by Andy Duncan at 7:15 AM
3 Comments:
I actually never thought about the names of the places in JS&MN until now, and Hurtfew Abbey is a great example! As for it pertaining to Norrell's personal philosophy, it doesn't exactly correlate. Norrel is selfish, controlling, and has a superiority complex, and sees no harm in hurting Strange or resticting other magicians. it would have been a better name for Strange's house.
I think it makes sense to represent Norrell with this name. Even though, his character represents all of the negative things that Katie pointed out, he also attempts to strictly abide by a code of conduct to not unnecessarily disrupt the order of society. After the incident with Lady Pole, he may not try to fix the situation, but he certainly attempts, in his own twisted way, to prevent it from happening again. Strange, on the other hand, is more innocent in nature, yet more careless in practice. The careless ways of Strange cannot add up to a practice of doing no harm. (By the way, there is a Grey's Anatomy episode that talks about this.)
I think that Virginia is on the right track here. I got the impression that Norrell takes the holistic approach. In that, I mean he sanctions the use of magic to prevent Strange in order to maintain the sanctity and respect due his position as a magician. By preserving the mysticism of the myth (punishing Jonathan), he prevents injury to his stature. In addition, he restricts the other magicians because he is a control freak, but also because he feels that he is the old order. These revolutionary youngsters have cheapened the holy fiber of the fabric which he weaves. He thinks, in his mind, he is hurting the fewest people possible in his quest. He takes on the American Warhawk mentality that this is war, lives will be lost, but let's keep it to a minimum by focusing our attention on the true target and a "humanitarian" end. Well, I didn't mean for this to turn political, so I guess I'll wrap it up! Correct me if I've wandered off track!
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