Persephone Books discussion

I thought the character of G Selden was a nice sort of comic relief from the serious events that were happening in the book. Does anyone have any ideas about G Selden's significance in the book? One thing I thought of was that the presence of G Selden (and his accident) was a way to bring Betty and Mount Dunstan together.
G Selden was such a green salesman--it was funny that he always had his little catalogue with him. I loved this part, on page 286:
"We will come to Stornham to see the catalogue," Lord Dunholm promised.
"Perhaps you will read it aloud to us," Westholt suggested gleefully.

Everyone's excitement about the catalogue, or their seriousness regarding the catalogue, was amusing.

G Seldon -- see my comment in the other Shuttle thread -- and also G Seldon is this great salesman -- enthusiasm and a business mind -- but also seems to care about people and become genuinely attached to people. Is Burnett saying that THIS is really what is needed for American business -- human caring? Is G Seldon her subtle commentary in this novel which includes such a wealthy business family in its plot?

I loved this line from Seldon, p. 270
about Mr. Penzance:
"-the old vicar - I've never taken to anyone since I was born like I took to him." And he is telling this to Betty, who is had only known briefly, so opening up and admitting this is also such a vulnerable thing in him. I just see him as so human.

I love that he was so mystified by the whole experience. His wide-eyed innocence, and, as you say Sarah, his vulnerability, made him so very likable.

My favorite scene with G. Selden was when we see him in the saloon with his friends, after his return from England. Did anyone think these young men might be the growing middle class of early 1900's America? They are hard-working, friendly young men who come from humble means but aim to rise in their field, which is exactly what G. Selden does.

What are we to make of his initialed name? It's certainly an unusual way for a narrator to refer to a character in a book (and for the character to introduce himself as such). Is he trying to maintain that he is a working man with a real profession (salesman)?

I liked that scene at the saloon too. They did seem like men of the era, ready to make their mark.

Do you think he wanted his name sort of "trademark" with a professional ring to it. It did sound more like you would see it in writing, rather than spoken as his name. That's interesting -- I think it finally comes out that it is George, right? Maybe George sounded too common for his hopes for the future. I image his was pretty young too -- early twenties? He probably says that somewhere?

Her other character names were interesting also.

Oh, I kind of cut myself off there -- sorry...

I was wondering about Ughtred. Would that have been an Anglo-Saxon name? I associated it with a name like "Hugh" but couldn't remember the origin. I was also wondering about Lord Dunstan's name - Saltyr. That also had an ancient ring to it. I know it was said these families traced back to earlier times -- before the Conquest. She did a wonderful job with the setting -- apparently inspired by her own experience living in England near ancient estates.

I think that the use of the name "G Selden" by the other characters was meant to make fun of him (in a good-natured sort of way)--since he was such an earnest salesman.
Sarah--you're right, there are some other interesting names in the book! Ughtred is probably the most interesting...when I first read about him, my husband and I were laughing about that name. Who would give a child this name? Maybe it was more common back then--and it does sound like an Anglo-Saxon name. I don't even remember reading Lord Dunstan's name, but it does sound like an old name also.