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Englishsz Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

The mantle of change

The United States presidential nominees John McCain and Barack Obama grappled for the mantle of change on Friday as the pair hit the road in states teeming with independent voters vital to winning the White House.

What does 'mantle' refer to in this context?
  

Top answer

One meaning of mantle is a "cloak" or cape, a coat that doesn't have sleeves. It hangs on your shoulders. " In your phrase, I think it refers to being the president, the authority, who will make changes in the country.

— BRS

  • One meaning of mantle is a "cloak" or cape, a coat that doesn't have sleeves.
  • It hangs on your shoulders.
  • " In your phrase, I think it refers to being the president, the authority, who will make changes in the country.
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3 Answers
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One meaning of mantle is a "cloak" or cape, a coat that doesn't have sleeves. It hangs on your shoulders. It is used figuratively to represent the responsibility and power of a person in charge as in "the mantle of authority." In your phrase, I think it refers to being the president, the authority, who will make changes in the country.
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Many thanks, BRS!
Then why use 'of change' after 'mantle'?
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(they) grappled for the mantle of change : Each candidate argued that he was the better representative of the point of view that change is necessary for the country. They vied for the title of "The Change Candidate".

CJ
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