Historical Use of Dashes in 19th Century Literature: A Convention by Authors like Charles Dickens

Have you ever noticed a missing number or dash in a date or place in a 19th century author's work, particularly in the writings of Charles Dickens? This practice may seem peculiar, but it is a well-established literary convention used to inject a sense of authenticity and avoid specificity.

Specificity vs. Imprecision

Charles Dickens, for instance, is renowned for his imprecise dates in his narratives. Instead of providing an exact and specific year, he often uses phrases like "some twenty or thirty years ago" to give a vague timeframe. This is not an isolated incident but a widespread literary practice that extends beyond Dickens.

The 18th Century and Beyond

This convention has roots that can be traced back even further, at least to the 18th century and continues into the early 20th century. Authors would often use dashes or placeholders in the form of letters (e.g., "Barchester" and "Barset") to denote unspecified locations and dates. For example:

"We set our story in the town of ——-ton in the famous county of ——-shire in the year 187—."

The use of these placeholders suggests that the exact place and time are not as important as the overall narrative and mood of the story. This technique allows for greater flexibility and agility in storytelling, ensuring that the work remains relevant and timeless even as historical details may change.

Purpose of the Convention

The primary purpose of using dashes or placeholders is to create a more believable and authentic experience for the reader. By avoiding specific numbers or names, authors can suggest that the events described are part of a greater, real-life narrative that spans beyond the confines of the printed word. This technique has several advantages:

Adapting to Time

By not pinning events to exact dates, the story can adapt to changing historical contexts. For instance, in the case of the wendigo incident mentioned by Dickens: "It was in the year 188- that I first encountered the wendigo…". This vague date allows the story to align with the reader's understanding of the historical period, making it easier to relate to the events described.

Avoiding Discrepancies

Using imprecise language helps to avoid inconsistencies that can arise from a strict adherence to historical facts. For example, if a story describes the weather on a specific day, but the weather was actually different, the vague language allows the story to be more flexible. It can account for discrepancies such as "pouring rain on a day that was actually sunny" or "a full moon on the wrong date." This flexibility allows the narrative to withstand scrutiny and remain engaging.

Protecting Privacy and Identity

Another important aspect of using dashes and placeholders is the protection of privacy and the anonymity of characters. For instance, when Dickens mentions "I was with Lord M—— when his butler brought in the letter…" the use of the dash is a subtle way of hiding the identity of Lord M—. This technique is sometimes used to protect individuals from potential issues or legal consequences, ensuring that the work remains lighthearted and casual without the risk of real-world repercussions.

Modern Relevance

While this convention may seem archaic, it still holds relevance today. In contemporary literature, authors often employ similar techniques to convey a sense of authenticity or to protect sensitive information. By learning about the historical use of such literary devices, we can better appreciate the artistry and ingenuity of 19th century authors like Charles Dickens.

Furthermore, understanding these conventions can help modern readers to navigate and appreciate classic literature with a deeper understanding of the author's intentions and the cultural context in which the work was created. This knowledge enriches our reading experience and provides a more nuanced understanding of the literary works we encounter.