using uptodate parlance in narrative in a chapter that is set in a different time

by Paul Garside
25th August 2014

Hello again to all who know more than ME... I am currently redrafting and am now at a stage where the protagonist has travelled back in time to the 1880s, not a problem in itself, he's only there for two chapters. I have realised that when I am using the measurement of distance I am using metric measurements in the narrative. Now this is where I need the help, I think it is correct as the reader will understand better the uptodate expression of measurement, I think! but am I correct, should I be using feet and inches in the narrative as well as conversation? The characters do in conversation but that's then back in the 1880s. So do I continue with the dual system or does the narrative go into character also.

Regards and as usual, thanks in advance, Paul

Replies

I would say that it depends on the narrative perspective. ie: if your narrative is from the POV of your main character then you could show him working out imperial to metric in his/her head and by doing that you are also telling your reader to do the same thing.

hope this helps

s

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Sophie Barlow
25/08/2014