Monday, June 30th, 2008
Why is your first answer to any problem always a sword?*
Jesse’s got an interesting post over at Pandagon about why McBush says “my friends” ever other sentence. It’s worth a read, especially in light of McBush’s other habit of using the singular version when he’s pissed off at about to go apeshit on someone. My only reason for bringing up Jesse’s post is because it reminded me of a fictional character with a similar habit. The protagonist of David Eddings’ Elenium and Tamuli series, Sparhawk, has a habit of calling anyone he doesn’t know “neighbor.” At one point in the series, he even explains why he does it:
“Why do you call everybody ‘neighbor’?” Tynian asked as they rode on.
“Habit, I suppose.” Sparhawk shrugged. “I got it from my father, and it sort of puts people at their ease.”
“Why not call them ‘friend’?”
“Because I never know that for sure. Let’s go talk to the abbot of that monastery.”
The Ruby Knight, pg. 44 — paperback edition
I’m probably the only one who cares, but I thought it was an interesting similarity.
* In case you’re wondering, here’s the context of the quote:
“We ride to Ghasek as quickly as we can,” she replied. I have to find out what’s causing the infection before I can cure it. We absolutely have to get into that castle — even if it involves force.”
“We can handle that,” Ulath said, “but what are we going to do about that minstrel? If he can infect others just by touching them, he’s likely to come back at the head of an army.”
“There’s a simple way to deal with it,” Kalten said, putting his hand on his sword hilt.
“No,” Sephrenia said sharply. “I’ll put him to sleep instead. A few days’ rest might do him some good, anyway.” She looked sternly at Kalten. “Why is your first answer to any problem always a sword?”
“Overtrained, I guess.” He shrugged.
The Ruby Knight, pages 203-204 — paperback edition
