Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was written in 1818, three years after the canton of Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation. However, the novel takes place in the late 18th Century rather than the early 19th. Victor Frankenstein identifies himself as a Genovese citizen rather than Swiss. Would it be accurate to describe his nationality as Genevan since the story takes place when Geneva was independent but not yet part of Switzerland?
TBH I think the concept of 'nationality' didn't really exist as such in these areas at that time. States, principalities, duchies and federations all existed and switched around ownership of towns and valleys as often as they felt like. Did the inhabitants of each town change nationality each time their 'owner' changed? No, I don't think so. Their allegiance changed, sure (or sometimes not), but often they would have felt that they were simply owned by a foreigner rather than being part of their new lord's 'nation'.
So it doesn't answer your question, but if the book identifies him as Genovese then why not leave it at that? Of course, that doesn't stop him also being Genevan, at the same time , as it doesn't actually imply a unique nationality.
It's simple - he described himself as Genevese, so that's what he was.
Genevese ^= Genovese. The latter, quoted by the OP, describes someone from the Italian city of Genoa.
The OP made a typo. In the book, Dr Frankenstein describes himself as Genevese.
DB is right---I made a typo. Christopher Columbus was a Genovese. Victor Frankenstein was Genevan.
No, he was Genevese.
"Genevan" might be an accepted variant of "Genevese", but it's hideous.
Describing Dr Frankenstein as a "Genevan" is as jarring to the eye and ear as calling Emperor Hirohito a famous Japanian.
Must we? Really?
That's funny. Because I was thinking just the opposite. I find Genevese quite ugly and Genevan more melodious. I don't even like Genevese cake.
You don't have to change Japanese though. You can leave it like it is.
If you're going to get all pedantic, surely you should go the whole hog and insist on Genevois?
Damn, you're right. It's a Genevois cake.
Prefer bottenberg cake myself and Dr Frankenstein was from Fictionstein, he was often seen around Vadiz
Because that isn't an English word.
Genovese are from Genoa, NOT Geneva!
Tom
Yes, and I don't think there is such a word as Genevese, is there?
Yes. Genevese and Genevan are both acceptable in English.
castle frankenstein is in Germany at the Rhine btw.
genoa, genova, geneva...
reminded me of this:
I always thought he as from Transylvania...
That's Frank N. Furter, not Frankenstein