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Post by Dante on Apr 13, 2013 10:54:04 GMT -5
S. Theodora Markson. She's often asked what the S stands for, and always begins her answer with an S, but it's a wrong answer, just as, perhaps, it's the wrong question. We encountered quite a few mysterious initials in ASoUE - V.F.D., J.S. - and always found out, in the end, or were able to deduce what they stood for. Therefore, it's a pretty reasonable guess that we'll eventually find out what the S. stands for. But what is it, and why does Theodora keep it a secret?
For the latter, I'd say there are two possibilities: Either she refers to herself as S. merely as a formality, much the same way many volunteers refer to each other by first initial only - although that's for purposes of confidentiality, which announcing her latter two names hardly achieves, but remember who we're talking about here. Or, the S. stands for something embarrassing. Which is it? Which sounds most like Theodora?
But as for what the S. truly stands for, we have to remember what the purpose of the secret is for readers, and what would be achieved by withholding it and then revealing it. One possibility is that the S. does stand for something important - something we'll recognise. The other is that it's a joke, which fits in with the "embarrassing" theory.
So, any ideas on what the S. stands for? I hit upon a good one recently, but I want to hear other people's ideas.
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Post by penne on Apr 13, 2013 11:01:29 GMT -5
Salmonella.
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Post by Dante on Apr 13, 2013 11:09:01 GMT -5
That's a really compelling theory, Pen. I wouldn't be surprised if it were right. It's both an ASoUE reference and an embarrassing and funny name, so it fits all the criteria. Good luck!
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Post by penne on Apr 13, 2013 14:33:36 GMT -5
Thank you, Dante, I was just thinking about it a few days ago and it came to mind.
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Post by Christmas Chief on Apr 21, 2013 17:34:48 GMT -5
Perhaps, lacking an initial, Theodora gave herself one, not realizing initials are taken from existing names. She chose the S for sentimental value, perhaps naming herself after someone she admired, or someone who had died, as is the V.F.D. custom. Alternative theory: Could the S stand for Sir? This is a title that could reasonably precede both names, is embarrassing, and may callback to a character in ASOUE. So, any ideas on what the S. stands for? I hit upon a good one recently ... I'm curious as to what this may have been?
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Post by Charlie on Apr 21, 2013 22:13:47 GMT -5
I really like the Sir theory. I think it's a real contender for the initial.
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Post by Dante on Apr 22, 2013 2:01:59 GMT -5
We're getting some really good theories here. For my own, I was going for something that would be funny to new readers due to being unfitting, and a wham moment for ASoUE readers. "Name the baby after one of your parents, Baudelaires. The custom of my family is to name a baby for someone who has died." "Ours too," Sunny said, remembering something her father had told her when she had inquired about her own name. Now that would inspire a lot of discussion.
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Post by Charlie on Apr 22, 2013 2:32:37 GMT -5
Wow. Both really compelling theories
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Post by Poe's Coats Host Toast on Apr 22, 2013 20:41:48 GMT -5
Agreed, brillant theories! The quote from The End makes the Sunny theory very convincing indeed.
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Post by Hermes on Apr 23, 2013 10:01:39 GMT -5
Yes, the Sunny theory is very impressive. (Of course, why the Baudelaires would name their daughter after her would still need explanation.)
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Post by Dante on Apr 23, 2013 11:12:53 GMT -5
I think part of the appeal of the theory is the very fact that it opens up that question, although it would certainly be a retcon.
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2013 21:26:45 GMT -5
It stands for Silly. Pg. 65 "That reminds me. What does the S. stand for?" "Silly boy," she said. There should have been a comma between silly and boy.
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Post by Christmas Chief on May 8, 2013 14:32:55 GMT -5
"Silly" is an interesting guess, though I'm not sure the cited textual evidence supports it. "Silly boy" is properly punctuated to mean "You are silly, boy," whereas I think "Silly, boy" would more indicate an actual answer rather than a statement to avoid the question. In any case, Theadora often answers the "What does the S stand for?" with answers beginning in S, so there are quite a few places we can pick out incidents like these (which isn't to discount them, of course).
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Post by soufflé on May 8, 2013 14:42:02 GMT -5
WOAH
The Sunny theory would be really interesting. Though I have to agree with Hermes in that I don't see why the Baudelaires would find Theodora an appropriate namesake for Sunny.
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Post by Christmas Chief on May 8, 2013 15:01:14 GMT -5
Well, as Dante states, this opens Theodora's character to future dynamism. How she came into contact with the Baudelaires, what would make her a worthy namesake, etc.
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