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Park sang joon Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
The analyses of a text #2
The narrator recalls his childhood; he is now in custody by his stepfather in his room.
He had been living with his mother, Peggotty the only maid of his house, his very stern stepfather Mr. Murdstone, and Mr. Mudstone's eccentric elder sister Miss Mudstone in his late father's house when he was forced to go to Salem House, the boarding school near London.
Now he came home after the stay at Salem House during a semester.
The Muderstones have gone out upon a visit in the neighborhood.
.......................
It was almost ten o'clock before we heard the sound of wheels. We all got up then, and my mother said hurriedly that, as it was so late, and Mr. and Miss Murdstone approved of early hours for young people, perhaps I had better go to bed. I kissed her, and went upstairs with my candle directly, before they came in. It appeared to my childish fancy, as I ascended to the bedroom where I had been imprisoned, that they brought a cold blast of air into the house which blew away the old familiar feeling like a feather.
[David Copperfield by Charles Dickens]
I'd like to know why it is "before," not "when."
I'd like to know why it is "approved," not "didn't approve."
Thank you in advance for your help.
He had been living with his mother, Peggotty the only maid of his house, his very stern stepfather Mr. Murdstone, and Mr. Mudstone's eccentric elder sister Miss Mudstone in his late father's house when he was forced to go to Salem House, the boarding school near London.
Now he came home after the stay at Salem House during a semester.
The Muderstones have gone out upon a visit in the neighborhood.
.......................
It was almost ten o'clock before we heard the sound of wheels. We all got up then, and my mother said hurriedly that, as it was so late, and Mr. and Miss Murdstone approved of early hours for young people, perhaps I had better go to bed. I kissed her, and went upstairs with my candle directly, before they came in. It appeared to my childish fancy, as I ascended to the bedroom where I had been imprisoned, that they brought a cold blast of air into the house which blew away the old familiar feeling like a feather.
[David Copperfield by Charles Dickens]
I'd like to know why it is "before," not "when."
I'd like to know why it is "approved," not "didn't approve."
Thank you in advance for your help.
Top answer
' Before' implies that almost 10 was a late time to hear wheels. Consider these simpler examples. He was 30 years old when he got a job.
- ' Before' implies that almost 10 was a late time to hear wheels.
- Consider these simpler examples.
- He was 30 years old when he got a job.
- (sounds factual) He was 30 years old before he got a job.
- (implies disapproval, surprise) They approved of early hours for children.
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3 Answers
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'Before' implies that almost 10 was a late time to hear wheels.
Consider these simpler examples.
He was 30 years old when he got a job. (sounds factual)
He was 30 years old before he got a job. (implies disapproval, surprise)
Consider these simpler examples.
He was 30 years old when he got a job. (sounds factual)
He was 30 years old before he got a job. (implies disapproval, surprise)
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Thank you, Clive, for your very helpful answer. 
Then I was wondering what "early hour" means here.
Then I was wondering what "early hour" means here.
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Early hours to go to bed might be,7pm.8pm, 9pm.
Late hours might be 11pm, midnight, 1am.
Clive
Late hours might be 11pm, midnight, 1am.
Clive
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