Archives for June 2020

Introduction

Every once in a while, throughout the history of The Conveniences, someone tries to write the definitive definition of them. These attempted definitions are often called Truths.

Some of these efforts are partially successful, but most scholars agree that the changeable nature of the mystery, and the fluidity of the text itself, will forever prevent a final and definitive statement about them.

Here’s the text of this Truth:

The Truth About the Conveniences

Some exclamations are really only maiden fancy. Amen.

Trying to steer a middle course between the intelligent administration of such an endowment and everything beautiful,

We think more of putting our treasure in love.

Jump to the Commentary (below the original text).

Commentary

This Truth is interesting. It tells us that it’s from 1897 (see the copyright at the bottom of the page), and the middle section of text has been removed. Many researchers have attempted to locate the middle section of text, but without luck.

The word exclamations can be read to mean any statement about The Conveniences.

This Truth uses the word maiden. The word maiden is understood to come from the Old English, and it typically means a young, inexperienced, unmarried woman. The word is a diminutive; a diminutive indicates a small size or it makes something smaller.

A maiden is a woman made younger and made smaller.

The word fancy comes from the 15th century and means a “product of the imagination.”

The Truth also uses the word Amen. It’s also from the Old English in this usage and it means confirmation.

So, an alternative reading of the first sentence might be “Some statements [about The Conveniences] are really only the imaginings of a young, inexperienced girl. This can be confirmed.”

The Truth continues on to say that the middle course is important, and that intelligent administration and beauty are essential.

The Truth concludes that the real treasure is love.

Here’s a personal analysis:

The Truth was published in 1897. Historically, at that time, many women were not encouraged to speak publicly or to write authoritatively.

Some women did speak publicly and write authoritatively, but it might have been difficult for this particular writer to expect any respect or acceptance. Perhaps the woman was less educated or had less money or station than other, more accepted writers.

We can never know.

What we can know is that this writer was very, very clever.

I believe her first statement is a diversion. It is a statement designed to lull antagonistic readers into a sense of security. She’s written the statement tongue-in-cheek.

She convinces her readers that she, too, believes that The Conveniences are only for the diminutive.

After her reader is lulled, she delivers the genuine and important message about endowment, beauty, treasure, and love.

We are forever indebted.