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Antonija Posted 20 years ago
Vocabulary

pierced doll

In this sentence life is compared to a pierced doll. Perhaps the author is referring to a voodo doll. I bet it sounds strange in English. Can you please help me make it clearer if necessary?It refers to a man who is in love with his mistress, and has to pretend that nothing is happening in front of his wife.

Like a surrealist, you will automatically note your shopping list, instead of a shortening you will buy a paste, instead of the water, mineral water. Like a heretic, you will act counter-clockwise, all for the purposes of keeping this doll called life, that you yourself pierced.

What would be more adequate expression for fake life?
  

Top answer

I think the author is referring to a doll as the way it should be, the normal. Piercing the doll called life would be going against the normal, etc. Though I'm not 100% sure without more text, that is what I gather from it.

— Gazapo

  • I think the author is referring to a doll as the way it should be, the normal.
  • Piercing the doll called life would be going against the normal, etc.
  • Though I'm not 100% sure without more text, that is what I gather from it.
  • Best, Gazapo
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8 Answers
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I think the author is referring to a doll as the way it should be, the normal. Piercing the doll called life would be going against the normal, etc.

Though I'm not 100% sure without more text, that is what I gather from it.

Best,
Gazapo
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I do not see a connection to voodoo here. Maybe it is more a metaphor related to childhood rather than African magic. The "doll called life" is like an object that you like, love and should care for -- and you have damaged it yourself and want to cling to it anyway. Or the piercing might relate to hurting the doll, causing pain to the doll, while at the same time holding it dear and close.
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Or maybe, when a doll is pierced, it slowly loses the stuff that's inside?
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I don't know why heretic either, the meaning of heretic in your country is more or less similar to our idea of a heretic. Perhaps, it is viewed more derrogative here, in my country. Like somebody who ought to respect standard norms (sanctity of marriage) but he does not. He is in love with another woman, and he is confused and does everything wrong. I think this similie is ironic, the autho
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Can you perhaps, suggest a better metaphore meaning ''a charade that you yourself ruined". It relates to pretending to be in a marriage and love your wife, but actually cheating on her.
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Can you perhaps, suggest a better metaphore meaning ''a charade that you yourself ruined". It relates to pretending to be in a marriage and love your wife, but actually cheating on her.
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I've been away on holiday so thought I'd missed your final part of the translation of this strange book.

This author certainly uses some very unusual metaphors and similes to my ears but ...... she's original to say the least.

I think your own idea is the best ----

trying to keep alive this charade which you yourself ruined.

You have to decide whether to keep v
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Hi Alan. Yes, I am still struggling with it. Funny, but I chose this text myself. I thought it was interesting. I don't have to stick with the original that much. The most important thing is to make it 'readable'.
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