Professor Sinistra (Was: Over-Analysis of Minor Plot Points - Astronomy )

[justcarol67]

No: HPFGUIDX 116582


mhbobbin wrote:
> > Why is the Astronomy Tower off-limits except for classes. And
Would we like to know more about a Professor with the name of
> > Sinistra?
> > 
Lady Macbeth replied:
> > Good questions on both of those!  Sinistra's name may refer to the
> > science/measurement aspect more than a subjective aspect of her 
> name.  
> 
Geoff added:
> Perhaps it's just because she's left-handed....
> :-)

Carol responds:
I had the same idea! Here's a definition/etymology of "sinister" from
Merriam-Webster:

Main Entry: sin·is·ter
Pronunciation: 'si-n&s-t&r, archaic s&-'nis-
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English sinistre, from Latin sinistr-, sinister on
the left side, unlucky, inauspicious
1 archaic : UNFAVORABLE, UNLUCKY
2 archaic : FRAUDULENT
3 : singularly evil or productive of evil
4 a : of, relating to, or situated to the left or on the left side of
something; especially : being or relating to the side of a heraldic
shield at the left of the person bearing it b : of ill omen by reason
of being on the left
5 : presaging ill fortune or trouble
6 : accompanied by or leading to disaster
- sin·is·ter·ly adverb
- sin·is·ter·ness noun
synonyms SINISTER, BALEFUL, MALIGN mean seriously threatening evil or
disaster. SINISTER suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or
apprehension on the part of the observer <a sinister aura haunts the
place>. BALEFUL imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something
whether working openly or covertly <exerting a corrupt and baleful
influence>. MALIGN applies to what is inherently evil or harmful <the
malign effects of racism>.

Note the evolution of the Latin adjective "sinister" (fem. "sinistra")
meaning "on the left" or "left-handed" into our modern English
"sinister," suggesting evil or the threat of evil, by way of the
archaic meaning of "unlucky" (to others). (In French, of course,
left-handedness is merely "gauche"!)

I vaguely remember a translation exercise I did in high school
involving "Mucius Scaevola, vir sinister" (literally, Mucius Scaevola,
a man left-handed"). I expected him to do something evil (e.g., shake
hands with his right hand and stab someone with his left). Turns out
he was a hero who had thrust his right hand into the fire to
demonstrate indifference to torture.

Not sure how any of this relates to Professor Sinistra--probably not
at all. But as long as we're overanalyzing. . . .

Carol, glad to find a use for what remains of her Latin and hoping the
lefties on the list have a sense of humor!