This letter is held by the American Library of Congress. It dates from the 1850's, and whether the original version was genuine or contrived, it is a most delightful find. Do read the explanation at the bottom of this transcription to fully understand the true intention of the message.
MADAM,
The great love and tenderness I have hitherto expressed for you
is false, and I now feel that my indifference towards you
increases proportionably every day, and the more I see you
the more I appear ridiculous, and an object of contempt, and
the more I feel disposed, inclined, and finally determined, to
hate you. Believe me I never had the least inclination to
offer you my hand and heart. Our last conversation has
I assure you, left a wretched insipidity, which has be no means
possessed me with the most exalted opinion of your character.
Yes, madam, and you will much oblige me by avoiding me.
And if ever we are united, I shall experience nothing but the
fearful hatred of my parents, added to an everlasting dis
pleasure of living with you. Yes, madam, I think sincerely.
You need not put yourself to the smallest trouble or send or
write me an answer ------ Adieu. And believe that I am
so averse to you that it is really impossible I should ever be,
Madam,
Your affectionate lover till death.
W. GOFF
EXPLANATION.
There are two ways of reading it; the father compelled his daughter to show him all letters sent to her - the unsuspecting father reads straight forward, but the daughter having the clue, reads the first, third and fifth lines, and so on. Then the contrast will be discovered.
That is excellent! I wonder how often this kind of tactic was used.
ReplyDeleteHello CharmedLassie, I might try and use a similar ploy in some fiction.
ReplyDeleteLove knows no locksmith.
ReplyDeleteThat line was written in the 1640's, and is as true now as it was then.
Helen
Oh I love this now I've gone back and 'read between the lines.' It's so romantic!
ReplyDeleteIt is isn't it - and a great ploy!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, Essie. When I read it first, it depressed me. Then redemption. So clever!
ReplyDeleteWonderful and interesting! Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteIt's just lovely.
ReplyDeleteBrillant tactics !
ReplyDeleteI have seen this sort of strategies on fiction too but they always let me wondering one thing : how do they know they have to read line one, the third, etc... to have the real meaning ? I don't know if it is because i'm less litterate than victorian people or just more stupid but without the explanation, I doubt to discover how to read the real proposal.
Do people of these time was inspired by similar strategies in history or fiction ? Do they rely on context (He llove, so he can't say he hate me, so I have to read the letter in an another way) ? Or do they agree face-to-face on how to write and read their letter before ?
If someone know something on this, I will be glad to know more
ah, the days before social media. Or TV. Or radio.....
ReplyDeleteHaha, very clever! I actually read an article recently on letter writing during the Victorian era and the article mentioned how Victorians loved to play with the letters and words.
ReplyDeleteTam May
The Dream Book Blog
https://thedreambookblog.wordpress.com
Great post.thank you so much.Love this blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteLove your blog, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete