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Cboutin3 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Is it clear that the two "he" refer to Riverwind?

The chieftain considered Riverwind’s beliefs to be an affront to the tribe and decreed that he could only wed Goldmoon if he found proof of the old gods’ existence.
  

Top answer

In this sentence we have two men, haven't we? The chieftain and Riverwind. It's probable that Riverwind is the one who's considering marriage to Goldmoon, and possible that he is the one who needs to find proof.

— Thomas Tompion

  • In this sentence we have two men, haven't we?
  • The chieftain and Riverwind.
  • It's probable that Riverwind is the one who's considering marriage to Goldmoon, and possible that he is the one who needs to find proof.
  • But it's not out of the question that the chieftain is the one who needs to find proof.
  • So while I think it is pretty clear, it's not entirely so.
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2 Answers
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In this sentence we have two men, haven't we? The chieftain and Riverwind. It's probable that Riverwind is the one who's considering marriage to Goldmoon, and possible that he is the one who needs to find proof. But it's not out of the question that the chieftain is the one who needs to find proof.

So while I think it is pretty clear, it's not entirely so. I'd change the phrasing a li
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Thanks for your advice, how are these revisions and which one would you prefer?
1. The chieftain considered Riverwind’s beliefs to be an affront to the tribe and told him that he could only wed Goldmoon if he found proof of the old gods’ existence.
2. The chieftain considered Riverwind’s beliefs to be an affront to the tribe, and decreed that Riverwind could only wed Goldmoon if he found p
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