The appeal of Milady is an unconditional association with Milady Winter, the villain and cardinal spy. To understand why Dumas chose this word, respectful in itself, imagine that some woman is not called by name, but only “mistress”. Perhaps her name was not known. It was no reason.
What does “milady” mean - a title or a form of appeal?
The word is from the highest circles of society. It indicates the noble birth and high position of a woman. The meaning of the word "milady" will help to understand the ladder of titles of Great Britain. The hereditary titles include the duke, marquis, count, viscount and baron. Marquise - the wife or daughter of a nobleman with the title of marquise. The countess is the count's wife. Viscountess is the wife or daughter of a nobleman with the title of Viscount. To these noble ladies turned "milady."
The titles of a knight and baronet were not inherited, but nevertheless their spouses deserved the appeal of “milady” from lower ones.
But what about the heroine of Dumas? One of her prototypes is considered Lucy Hay. This is the daughter of Henry Percy, the disgraced earl. Lucy married James Haye, Earl of Carlisle, her cousin. She, as countess, could be called milady in full measure.
How does a lady differ from milady
The play of the Bernard Show “Pygmalion” is aimed at revealing the difference in the education of a noble lady and a girl from the common people. And although this is not a model for distinguishing the hierarchy of titles, something becomes clear if you scroll through its pages.
Eliza Doolittle, a flower merchant, was raised and taught for a long time before she became a lady, exemplary in society, with impeccable manners and exquisite speech. Prior to this, it was possible to turn to her only as a miss. After training, she gratefully recalls the appeal to her friend Professor Pickering: "... you called me Miss Doolittle." And then he asks Higgins: “Why did you make the duchess of me?”
Milady is an official appeal to the wife of a titular person. And although this word is not a title in itself, it indicates a certain position of a woman. Lady is not just a conversion, but an integral part of the full title. For example, Lady Mountbatten, Lady Essex, Lady Churchill, Lady McCartney.
Why Lady Diana Was Not Called Milady
This is an exception. It is dictated by a popular love for Lady Dee. According to the rules of aristocratic etiquette, it is true to call her Lady Diana Spencer before marriage (Diana's father was a count) and Princess of Wales after (Charles, the husband of Diana, bore the title of prince).
Princesses are not called. But the popular love for her came up with a nonexistent title, which remained with her forever. Apparently, the appeal of “Milady Diana” did not reflect the whole warmth of the feelings of the British.
Donna is in Spanish, milady is in English
When Donna Rosa d'Alvadoretz arrives in the Foggy Albion , two people turn to her: Donna and Milady. Left alone with a footman, this aunt from Brazil calls Brasset, who asks the question: “What do you want, sir?” This causes a storm of indignation: "What kind of sir am I to you?" Brasset apologizes and asks about anything my lady. It turns out a glass of cognac. The servant leaves for the cognac, and when he brings it, Judge Kriegs, who is nearby, exclaims: “How by the way!” - and drinks for the ladies health. Donna Rosa sends a footman away, and he replies: "All right, sir." A repeated storm of indignation, but already reinforced by rude Kriegs: “Call the lady sir!” This is my lady! ”
Ushakov’s dictionary interprets the word “donna” as a polite prefix to the name of a woman noblewoman. As you know, she was the widow of Don Pedro. Contrary to the remark of the heroine Kalyagin: “You never know Pedro in Brazil!”, At that time only two people with that name and title were known. These are Pedro I and Pedro II. Both ruling emperors.
In this regard, it is not surprising that out of respect for Donna Rosa she is called milady.
Examples of the use of the word
Milady is only a conversion. He is not added to the title and such a lady is mentioned in conversation as a lady. For example, one cannot say "Milady Margaret Thatcher has arrived at Buckingham Palace." It would be right to call her a lady.
The second meaning of the word "lady" is a respectful appeal to a woman. So they can address from the rostrum: “Ladies and gentlemen!” So remarkable qualities can be noted: “She is a real lady,” says Henry Morgan about the one who dreams in the novel “Hearts of Three” by D. London.
In the famous fairy tale of L. Carroll, there was a folk English character the March Hare. He is known for his ridiculous eccentricities, and the Duchess excommunicated him from the court. In the domestic audio production, where V. Vysotsky acted as co-author of the texts, the historically accepted appeal to the duchess is preserved:
- My lady, in vain you are offended by a hare. True, he jokes stupidly and snarls ...
Milady is not a quality of character; the duchess was a terrible rude woman. And they will say about the real lady that she has perfect manners. One could say about the duchess that she does not behave like a lady.
In 2012, the word Miss was banned in England as discriminatory. Surprisingly, “milady” still remains in etiquette. Be that as it may, understanding the difference in appeals is useful when reading English literature.