“Brought down in armfuls by the Abigails” (260). A servant or “handmaid” is sometimes referred to as an Abigail, its reason coming straight from the Bible. King David’s third wife’s name was Abigail. Abigail referenced herself as King David’s “handmaid.” In English literature it has been common to call someone’s servant or attendant “Abigail” for this meaning. Bronte, being of English heritage, often has this name associated with this meaning throughout Jane Eyre. Bronte hints at the role stature has in this past English society.
"Abigail - meaning of Abigail name." Baby Names Name Meanings Baby Boy Names, Baby Girl Names. Web. 01 Dec. 2009. http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Abigail.
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"candidly?" word choice there -- what are you trying to say?
ReplyDeleteWhy would Bronte want to make this particular association? It may have just been the common name -- but is there a deeper reason? An argument to be made?