[lit-ideas] Ownership and the possessive case
- From: cblists@xxxxxxxx
- To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 6 May 2009 11:51:18 +0200
That (use of) the possessive case implies ownership may or may not be
contradicted by the following (counter)examples (taken from
Hegglewith's well-known short story, "Filibuster's Folly"):
"Rochefort was distracted by the escaped cockatoo's antics in the
tram, and consequently missed his stop - and his train."
"After searching unsuccessfully for Abramov in the library, they
retired to Zelkow's kitchen for tea and sardines."
[Zelkow has illegally occupied the house in which the kitchen is
located.]
"'These jewels are worth a king's ransom,' interjected Glorwent."
"The festive atmosphere was somewhat dampened by Langedoc's fatal
accident with the tin opener."
"'This recurrent use of ornately-wrought capital letters at the
beginning of each paragraph is strangely reminiscent of Flambert's
hand,' exclaimed Corbison, after examining the curious document."
"The members of the jury were not moved by Jimsen's histrionics, and
Gilson's fate was sealed by Dalmia's stunning revelation that Semper's
child was in fact Wormack's rightful heir."
"The Ducati's superb handling ensured Asmont's victory in the
antepenultimate race, but he was not one to rest upon his laurels."
"It was a mournful and cheerless party that gathered at Cloudam's as
yet unoccupied grave, and the mood was not lifted as Alexander's band
struck up a mournful rendition Sedling's 'Funeral March'."
"'Hickworth's reputation for indecision rests solely on a concoction
of slanderous prevarications. What further evidence do we need of his
sole biographer's intent to discredit him?' demanded Verinal."
"Sopworth stepped over Billingworth's lifeless corpse."
"'The launching of this solar-powered craft will ensure Craddock Steel
Work's place in the annals of locomotion,' announced Damwill, as he
threw the switch - precipitating the ensuing catastrophe."
Chris Bruce,
almost at his wit's end, in
Kiel, Germany
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