The pseudonym "Philo Vaihinger" has been abandoned. All posts have been and are written by me, Joseph Auclair.

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Betrothed to the convent from the cradle

It is a convention of modern literature - especially of the French, who approach the subject almost pornographically - to deplore childhood commitments to the clergy almost exclusively of girls, though boys were also commonly committed.

And more than arranged marriages or commitments to a trade, or even to the military or merchant service.

"Die" Vernon in Rob Roy, Sir Walter Scott, must enter the convent or marry an unsuitable Osbaldistone.

Curses!

Young Francis O, who loves her and is not a candidate, has himself been banished by his father for refusing Dad's choice of career.

O curses!

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