Book Title: The Dictionary of Lost Words
Author: Pip Williams
ISBN: 9781984820730
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Feminism, Coming-of-Age
Published: 2020
Introduction
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams takes place against the backdrop of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, weaving a narrative that highlights how language shapes society. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Esme Nicoll, Williams reveals the words omitted from the dictionary, particularly those associated with the lives of women and the working class. This compelling exploration of language examines how vocabulary can reflect cultural biases, while Esme’s journey highlights the importance of preserving all voices, especially those marginalized or disregarded in the historical record.
Plot Summary
Young Esme and the Scriptorium
The story begins in Oxford, England, 1887, where young Esme Nicoll spends her days under the sorting tables in the “Scriptorium”—a shed on the property of Oxford University Press where her father, Harry Nicoll, and other lexicographers compile words for the Oxford English Dictionary. Esme is a curious child, fascinated by language and the world of words. As she sits beneath the tables, collecting fallen slips, she begins to recognize the power of words in shaping meaning and significance.
- Quote: “Words, Papa always said, were like stories; they didn’t just define things, they captured them. And not everyone’s words or stories were deemed worthy of capturing.”
The First “Lost Word”: Lug
Esme discovers her first “lost word,” “Lug”, when she finds the discarded slip under the table. It’s an ordinary word, common among the lower class, but not included in the dictionary due to its colloquial nature. This incident sparks a growing realization in Esme about which words are valued by society and which are considered unworthy of preservation.
Collecting Forgotten Words
As Esme grows, she becomes more aware of the words left out of the dictionary. She starts collecting these neglected words, scribbling them on slips of paper and storing them in an old chest belonging to her deceased mother. This collection becomes her “Dictionary of Lost Words,” an archive of the words and expressions of people, especially women and the working class, whose language is often overlooked.Bonding with Lizzie
Esme forms a close bond with Lizzie, a maid who works in the Scriptorium. Lizzie introduces Esme to the language and stories of working-class women, contributing to her understanding of words considered inappropriate for the dictionary. Lizzie’s influence is crucial in shaping Esme’s appreciation for marginalized voices and ignites Esme’s growing sense of social awareness.
Esme’s Coming-of-Age and Search for Identity
As Esme matures, she questions her place in the world, torn between her intellectual curiosity and her status as a young woman in a patriarchal society. Through her experiences, she begins to understand that the Oxford English Dictionary, though monumental, is inherently biased, shaped by the values of its predominantly male editors.
Encounter with Suffrage
Esme’s journey coincides with the rise of the women’s suffrage movement. Through interactions with feminist activists, she becomes aware of the fight for women’s rights and how language plays a part in either empowering or suppressing them. She attends rallies and meets women who open her eyes to the idea that her mission with words is aligned with the broader feminist struggle.Love and Loss
Esme experiences love and loss throughout her life. Her relationships, both romantic and platonic, are central to her development. Her romantic encounters are often influenced by the social mores of the time, highlighting the restrictions placed on women’s autonomy and the limitations of her personal freedom.
- Quote: “Words are like love—they have the power to create and the power to destroy. And for every word spoken, there are a thousand left unsaid.”
The Impact of World War I
The outbreak of World War I has a profound effect on Esme’s life, bringing both personal and societal upheaval. Many of the men working on the dictionary, including Esme’s father, are affected by the war’s horrors, and Esme’s collection of words takes on even more significance. Words and expressions related to grief, war, and loss, spoken by the families of soldiers, are often ignored by the dictionary’s editors. Esme’s commitment to preserving these voices becomes even more urgent as she grapples with the devastation surrounding her.
The Role of the Scriptorium During the War
The Scriptorium’s work slows, and Esme takes on more responsibility. She begins adding words relating to war and loss to her collection, honoring those whose experiences are otherwise excluded from the official record.Grieving Her Father
The death of her father profoundly impacts Esme, fueling her dedication to capturing the words of ordinary people. Through this loss, Esme begins to understand the gravity of the stories she preserves, seeing her work as a tribute to those who often go unheard.
Esme’s Life Mission: The Dictionary of Lost Words
Esme’s collection grows as she adds more and more forgotten words, many of which reflect the struggles, joys, and sorrows of women’s lives. Words related to childbirth, domestic abuse, and sexual encounters are among those deemed “unfit” by the dictionary’s editors. Esme views these omissions as a disservice to future generations, denying them a true picture of society’s linguistic history.
The Legacy of Maud and Other Women
Esme meets various women, such as Maud, who represent different aspects of womanhood and inspire her to continue her work. Maud, a suffragette and close friend, embodies strength and defiance, encouraging Esme to remain committed to her cause despite societal opposition.Quote: “A dictionary should be more than words. It should be a record of a people, a record of their thoughts, their dreams, their struggles.”
Publishing the Dictionary of Lost Words
After years of dedication, Esme’s work culminates in the decision to publish her own dictionary, separate from the Oxford English Dictionary. The Dictionary of Lost Words serves as a tribute to those whose voices and experiences have been excluded, emphasizing the importance of recording history through an inclusive lens.
Overcoming Societal Limitations
Esme’s dictionary is a groundbreaking step in preserving marginalized voices, challenging the traditional limitations of lexicography. Her work demonstrates the value of all experiences and the ways language can shape or erase collective memory.Recognizing Her Own Role
By completing her dictionary, Esme comes to terms with her role as both a recorder and a participant in history. She understands that her own story, like those of the people she’s preserved, is now a part of the larger narrative.
Key Themes and Analysis
1. The Power of Language
Language is central to the novel, representing both empowerment and control. Esme’s work in creating a dictionary that includes the “lost words” showcases how language can either uplift or silence voices. Through Esme’s journey, Williams illustrates that language is not merely a tool for communication but a means of shaping reality and cultural understanding.
2. Feminism and Gender Inequality
Esme’s mission highlights the gender inequalities of her time, especially the ways women’s voices were often ignored or minimized. Her work aligns with the broader struggle for women’s rights, reflecting the need for recognition and validation of women’s experiences.
3. Social Class and Marginalization
The novel also examines how class affects the preservation of language. Esme’s dedication to documenting words from lower-class speakers emphasizes the value of working-class experiences, showcasing the ways society’s structures often marginalize entire groups.
4. Family, Loss, and Legacy
Esme’s relationships and losses shape her worldview, instilling in her the understanding that language serves as a bridge between the past and future. Her commitment to the Dictionary of Lost Words reflects a desire to leave a legacy that honors her family and all those whose words have been lost to history.
Key Quotes
“Without words, how can we know what others feel? How can we know ourselves?”
This quote captures the idea that language shapes identity and empathy.“To live in a world without words was to live in a world without history.”
Esme’s reflection on the significance of preserving language for posterity.“Some words deserve to be in a dictionary, not because they are grand or important, but because they are a part of someone’s life.”
This line reflects Esme’s mission to capture the beauty in ordinary experiences.
Conclusion
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams is a beautifully crafted novel that delves into the importance of language, memory, and equality. Through Esme’s journey, Williams illustrates how the words we choose to preserve shape the narrative of history, reminding us that all voices deserve to be heard. Esme’s Dictionary of Lost Words stands as a powerful testament to those whose language has been disregarded, honoring the diversity of human experience.