[MD] ***

[MarshaV]

Greetings,

I mentioned I was reading Umberto Eco's, 'Faucalut's Pendualum'.  I'm 
not certain why, but I like his books.
  .
A character in this book, when referencing a particular town, uses 
*** instead of a proper name.  At first I'd see *** and think 'Huh.', 
and I would wonder and investigate what he was up to and why?  Then I 
would see *** and think, 'Oh yes, it's the symbolism for a town that 
he doesn't want to name properly.'  Eventually, and I'm half-way 
through the book, I see *** and just automatically interpret it as 
the town.  This seems a demonstration of creating a pattern using a 
symbol rather than a proper name.  It's interesting.  Curious.  This 
little example felt like I was knowingly participating in creating a 
pattern.  I know Mr. Eco is semiotics professor.  I really appreciate 
such a first-hand experience, both participating and analzing a 
pattern taking form.

Marsha