'Handsome' Maxime (was Weight watching)

[David <dfrankiswork@netscape.net>]

No: HPFGUIDX 52596

Morgan D. wrote:

> And I (Morgan D.) humbly introduce myself to everyone

Welcome, Morgan!

(of Mme Maxime)

> Two, she's described not as pretty or beautiful, but as having 
> a "handsome face" (GoF chapter 15) and a "handsome head" (GoF 
chapter 
> 17). I'm not a native speaker, so I fail to grasp all the 
> connotations of using "handsome" instead of "beautiful" or some 
> another adjective more commonly used for women.  *looks around, 
> hopeful*  Anyone in the mood to explain it to me?

You are right: 'handsome' is IMO a little double-edged in its 
meaning applied to women.  To me, it connotes the idea of an 
aesthetically pleasing face, but one that is a little bit forbidding 
or stern.  Someone to be respected rather than loved.  Someone more 
dignified than accessible.  (Note: Jane Austen fans, in the time of 
Austen, I believe it was much more synonymous with 'beautiful'.)

As such, it goes with some of the other language used about her.  I 
don't have the book to hand so can't give examples.

David