Monday, November 15, 2010

Paul Marshall

The name Marshall originated from old germanix marh which means “horse” and scalc “servant”, and to some account it intended to imply “stable keeper”.

What “horse servants” were important to members of the courts of medieval Europe, the term Marshall became more officious and worthy of status. Eventually, over time, marshall (marshal) even came to be affiliated with prestigious military positions and various titles related to law enforcement. Ian could have chosen this name for the character Paul Marshall, as he did appear as a controlling person, as he took over the conversation: having a “monologue”. That could suggest his “military” side.

On the other hand, the name Paul developed from the Latin paulus meaning “small” which derived as a Roman surname. His name also mean humble, which may suggest he is someone not proud or arrogant, someone modest. The word “humble” could imply many things such as having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority. In Atonement, McEwan present the character Paul Marshall in a contrasting way. His name does not match up with the it’s meaning, but somehow carry out an ironic effect. This still makes it’s an atronym, as his name still suits him however sarcastically.


McEwan presents the character in an opposing way, he seems to appear more proud and confident. He appears to think he is more superior we see this through out his behaviour and how he takes over the conversation with his monologue, this is ironic since his name means “humble”, someone in low in rank, importance and quality.

9 comments:

THOMAS said...

I like the two sides you have given for humble and how you have explored how it may not fit his character

c said...

Good, since different possibilities explored.

Christiana said...

It's that Paul Marshall is anything but what his name means. Perhaps the reference to a horse keeper, has something to do with his faced being compard to a horses. The job is also one of a low rank, maybe also contrasting his actual wealth and occupation. Perhaps hinting his status before the riches.

Meemee said...

I like how your analysis shows how "Paul Marshall's" name show contrasting ideas, and therefore could also relate to his conflicting personality.

Shaun Teoh said...

I like the irony of his name you explored in your analysis, i also haven't thought of his split personality - good idea.

Heather Forrer said...

I like the way you clearly explored the different meanings of his name and explained why McEwan may have used it for a character like Marshall.

niks said...

I like the contrasting idea behind his name, and the irony it's got too. The analysis of the 'Marshal' was really good!

Lauren said...

I like how you have depicted the changing meaning of the word 'Marshall'and compared it to Paul's character.

ghostgum said...

Ann, you have included some interesting ideas for consideration, good effort. Do you think the irony of his name represents the contrasting way he is presented as a character. Some closer analysis might shed light on this.