0
Jackson6612 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

The sea—this truth must be confessed—has no generosity.

Hi

Would someone please help with the quote below? I couldn't understand it at all. Thank you.

The sea—this truth must be confessed—has no generosity. No display of manly qualities—courage, hardihood, endurance, faithfulness—has ever been known to touch its irresponsible consciousness of power. Joseph Conrad

Regards
Jackson
  

Top answer

Which words do you not understand, Jackson? I see no idioms, only the single metaphor of the sea as a very powerful human.

— Mister Micawber

  • Which words do you not understand, Jackson?
  • I see no idioms, only the single metaphor of the sea as a very powerful human.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

7 Answers
0
Which words do you not understand, Jackson? I see no idioms, only the single metaphor of the sea as a very powerful human.
0
0
Thank you, Mr Micawber.

So, "sea" is a metaphor for man here. What does this part, "has ever been known to touch its irresponsible consciousness of power", say? Could you please help me with it? Thanks.

Regards
Jackson
0
0
Roughly this:

No display of manly qualities (= no bravery, etc of any sailor)
has ever been known to touch (= has ever changed/ameliorated)
its irresponsible consciousness of power (= the ocean's blind power)

The ocean is totally unaffected by man's plights when sailing upon it.
0
0
Thank you.

Best wishes
Jackson
0
0
Mister MicawberWhich words do you not understand, Jackson? I see no idioms, only the single metaphor of the sea as a very powerful human.
Hi again

I'm just curious to know that how come you knew that the "sea" is a metaphor for a powerful man here. Was the context your guide, or were you able to judge it straight from the quote? Please let me know. Th
0
0
From the quote, which gives the sea human qualities:

The sea has no generosity....courage, hardihood, endurance, faithfulness....
0
0
Good Morning, Mr Micawber.

Thank you for letting me know that.

Regards
Jackson
0

Related Questions