Phuc Tram wrote:

On Tue, 14 Sep 1999, Phil wrote:

In my first response to this, I made the following statement:

Tenchi (from Tenchi Muyo) adds -dono when he speaks to Mihoshi
and to Washu, I think - but she always threatens him and insists on
'-chan'. But he doesn't do this for Aeka, who is definitely nobility
(even though they are related, he doesn't use this from when he meets
her nor -sama either).

Well, having received a few posts on this matter, I willingly admit
that I was wrong here; it's Washu who uses -dono and very
properly when speaking to Juraian nobility.

Still, anyone care to explain Kenshin's wide usage of -dono to
me or to the FFML at large?

Himura Kenshin (Rurouni Kenshin) uses -dono a lot due to his view of life
and his past actions.

As we all know, he was a participant of the blood bath in Kyoto and was
the Hitokiri for the Ishin Shishi.  Thus, Kenshin spilled a _lot_ of
blood.  We are also aware that even during those times, Kenshin didn't
really want to kill people.  He felt that what he was doing was justified
if he could help bring about a more peaceful and just era for Japan.

Now that the conflict is over, Kenshin still feels obligated to make some
form of restitution for what he did during the war.  One of those ways in
his personal view that he is of lower standing than everyone else,
especially the women.  Thus his use of '-dono' and 'sessha'.  'Dono' to
reflect his view that the person he is addressing is of higher standing
than himself.  He uses 'sessha' instead of 'watashi' or 'boku' to indicate
himself.  I believe it means something along the lines of 'this unworthy
one' although some of my co-workers from Japan tell me that it is an
antiquated way of referring to oneself.

Yes, indeed. This would be just like Kenshin and something that isvery in
keeping with Japanese culture.

Thanks to this and the other responses that I received which
helped answer my question.

Phil.

This is what I know and am aware of.  Corrections and/or additional
information is always a good thing.

Phuc Tram
Master Pivot - Wielder of the Coherent Light Bokken
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