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Nikoo Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary
Help with meaning
Could you please help me with the meaning of the following sentence?
"His poetry is improving amazingly, like a child of one night who accomplishes the journey of a year."
Does it mean that the child is one-night old or the one-year journey is accomplished within a night?
I don't understand the simile.
Thanks in advance
Nikoo
"His poetry is improving amazingly, like a child of one night who accomplishes the journey of a year."
Does it mean that the child is one-night old or the one-year journey is accomplished within a night?
I don't understand the simile.
Thanks in advance
Nikoo
Top answer
Let me first say I don't know. An Internet search seems to show that it's a Persian metaphor. I have never seen it before, and I think I can say that it is not part of English.
- Let me first say I don't know.
- An Internet search seems to show that it's a Persian metaphor.
- I have never seen it before, and I think I can say that it is not part of English.
- The phrase "child of one night" is meaningless on its face, but if I had to guess, I would say that its a child one night old.
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4 Answers
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Let me first say I don't know. An Internet search seems to show that it's a Persian metaphor. I have never seen it before, and I think I can say that it is not part of English. The phrase "child of one night" is meaningless on its face, but if I had to guess, I would say that its a child one night old.
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Thanks for your reply.
This is a part of a Persian poem translated by Peter Avery. I thought it would be easier for users here if I put it in a sentence. My question is focused on the phrase "the child of one night".
This is a part of a Persian poem translated by Peter Avery. I thought it would be easier for users here if I put it in a sentence. My question is focused on the phrase "the child of one night".
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See how one poem
traverses space and time
how this child of one night
accomplishes a year’s journey
The "child of one night" is the poem that was composed in one night. The poet considers his works as his own creations - his children.
traverses space and time
how this child of one night
accomplishes a year’s journey
The "child of one night" is the poem that was composed in one night. The poet considers his works as his own creations - his children.
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