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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Helpfulness which custom breeds
Hi there,
Currently, I'm reading a book named "My Antonia". I enjoyed it very much. However, I have come across a phrase which I couldn't quite figure out what it means. Here's the paragraph:
Higher up, in the utter clarity of the western slope, the evening star hung like a lamp suspended by silver chains — like the lamp engraved upon the title-page of old Latin texts, which is always appearing in new heavens, and waking new desires in men. It reminded me, at any rate, to shut my window and light my wick in answer. I did so regretfully, and the dim objects in the room emerged from the shadows and took their place about me with the helpfulness which custom breeds.
I don't really understand the phrase "the helpfulness which custom breeds". Can you please help explain it to me? What does it mean?
Thank you in advance.
K.S.
Currently, I'm reading a book named "My Antonia". I enjoyed it very much. However, I have come across a phrase which I couldn't quite figure out what it means. Here's the paragraph:
Higher up, in the utter clarity of the western slope, the evening star hung like a lamp suspended by silver chains — like the lamp engraved upon the title-page of old Latin texts, which is always appearing in new heavens, and waking new desires in men. It reminded me, at any rate, to shut my window and light my wick in answer. I did so regretfully, and the dim objects in the room emerged from the shadows and took their place about me with the helpfulness which custom breeds.
I don't really understand the phrase "the helpfulness which custom breeds". Can you please help explain it to me? What does it mean?
Thank you in advance.
K.S.
Top answer
I'd call it a form of personification. ), their functions also become apparent, as though they were people - perhaps servants. Assuming this has been his room for some period of time, these objects and their uses are familiar to him.
- I'd call it a form of personification.
- ), their functions also become apparent, as though they were people - perhaps servants.
- Assuming this has been his room for some period of time, these objects and their uses are familiar to him.
- They are perhaps traditional objects with traditional functions.
- The author assigns personal qualities to these "servant" objects.
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1 Answers
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I'd call it a form of personification. As the objects in the room gradually become visible (one at a time?), their functions also become apparent, as though they were people - perhaps servants.
Assuming this has been his room for some period of time, these objects and their uses are familiar to him. They are perhaps traditional objects with traditional functions. The author assign
Assuming this has been his room for some period of time, these objects and their uses are familiar to him. They are perhaps traditional objects with traditional functions. The author assign
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