In Chapter 1 of Ivanhoe, by Sir Walter Scott, there is an excerpt in which two characters have a conversation. These two characters, Wamba and Gurth, are two extremely interesting characters. Wamba, a Jester dresses elaborately and contrasts greatly to Gurth, a swine-herd. In this excerpt, Wamba and Gurth have a conversation in which they discuss the differences between the names of animals and the names of the food they produce.
Wamba asks, "Why, how call you those grunting brutes running about on their four legs?" The herd repleies, "Swine, fool, swine." To which Wamba retorts, "And swine is good Saxon...but how call you the sow when she is flayed, and drawn, and quartered, and hung up by the heels, like a traitor?" The swine-herd answers, "Pork."
I thought this conversation was really funny and interesting because it shows how things change in meaning after they have been affected in a certain way. For example, the "grunting brutes" are called swine when they are alive, but once they have been "flayed" they are known as pork.
Wamba continues, "...so when the brute lives, and is in the charge of a Saxon slave, she goes by her Saxon name; but becomes a Norman, and is called pork, when she is carried to the Castle-hall to feast among the nobles." Furthermore, Wamba declares, "Nay, I can tell you more...there is old Alderman Ox continues to hold his Saxon epithet, while he is under the charge of serfs...but becomes a fiery French gallant when he arrives before the worshipful jaws that are destined to consume him....he is Saxon when he requires tendance, and takes a Norman name when he becomes matter of enjoyment."
I thought this was very interesting. This excerpt goes to show how that under certain circumstances, names take a significant role. What type of name is used and how it is used sets a certain degree in conversation. This can be linked to a more modern usage of the terms Mr. Mrs. and Ms. We have titles and in casual conversation with friends we often leave these titles out. However, in a more professional setting these surnames are required.
Language is a beautiful thing. :)
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