The analyses of a text #2

Question

The protagonist, Philip, who was born with a club foot, moved in with his uncle Mr. Carey, the Vicar of Blackstable after his mother's death.
He came to Paris to become a painter.
He and Lawson is holding a party at their studio with a room.
...........................
A day or two later Philip and Lawson gave their party. Cronshaw, making an exception in their favour, agreed to eat their food; and Miss Chalice offered to come and cook for them. She took no interest in her own sex and declined the suggestion that other girls should be asked for her sake.
Clutton, Flanagan, Potter, and two others made up the party. Furniture was scarce, so the model stand was used as a table, and the guests were to sit on portmanteaux if they liked, and if they didn't on the floor.
[Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham]
1. I'd like to know "ask someone for one's sake" is idiomatic.
2. I'd like to know why it is "if they liked," not "if they would like/ if they want."
3, And I'd like to know if "like to sit" is implied after "didn't."
Thank you in advance for your help

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

park sang joon1. I'd like to know "ask someone for one's sake" is idiomatic.

No. We often do things for its own sake or for others' sake.

park sang joon2. I'd like to know why it is "if they liked," not "if they would like/ if they want."

Because that is what we commonly use.

park sang joon3, And I'd like to know if "like to sit" is implied after "didn't."

Not quite.

and if they didn't [like to sit on portmanteaux, sit] on the floor.

Park sang joon · Answer

Thank you, Mr. Micawber, for another So very kind answer from you.

2. I think we use "like to do something" for usual preference, and that we should use "want to do something" for impulsive preference.
So I was wondering if I can use "like to do something" for impulsive preference.

Mister Micawber · Answer

park sang joon. I think we use "like to do something" for usual preference, and that we should use "want to do something" for impulsive preference.

I have never heard that, but perhaps it is just your terminology.

park sang joonSo I was wondering if I can use "like to do something" for impulsive preference.

Since I don't really understand what you are getting at, perhaps you could give me an example or two. All I can imagine is that when my wife says, "I'd like to go now', it means she wants to leave immediately.

Park sang joon · Answer

Thank you, Mr.Micawber, for your continuing support.

1. I like to read the novel --- I usually like reading the novel and I do it often.
2. I want to read the novel --- Now, I like to read the novel.

Mister Micawber · Answer

park sang joon1. I like to read the novel-- I usually like reading the novel and I do it often.

The original sentence is odd; most of us do not re-read novels. When you build examples, choose reasonable ideas, like:

I like to go to the beach. = I always like going to the beach and I do so often.— OK

park sang joon2. I want to read the novel --- Now, I like to read the novel.

No, that paraphrase seems odd.

I want to go to the beach = I desire to do so — That is all that can be said, I think. It says nothing about liking, really.

Park sang joon · Answer

Thank you, Mr. Micawber, for your continuing to answer.

I'm so sorry for my poor question and examples about that.

I will ask in other words.
I'd like to know if "like to do something" means either "would like to do something" or "like doing something."

Mister Micawber · Answer

Hmm.

I like to ski = I like skiing.
I would like to ski = I want to ski.

Does that help?

The analyses of a text #2

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