[General] the observed of all observers

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

I mount upon the bridge, the observed of all observers.

the observed of all observer = in the full glare of publicity

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

 

[sarat_106]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

I mount upon the bridge, the observed of all observers.

the observed of all observer = in the full glare of publicity=that which can be observed by all

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

I think, you mean right.

 

[Tdol]

Is this a quote? To me, it would work better if it were 'the most observed' or something, which is why I ask if it's a quote because it has a dated feel- it makes prefect sense but doesn't click with me. ;-)

 

[vil]

I'm sorry, but much to my regret, the sentence in question is not a quote.
It's from Stevenson's "The Wrecker".

The very essence of the key phrase "the observer of all observers" is a Shakespearean's figure of speech.

Ophelia: O, what a noble mind is here overthrown!
The courtier's, soldier's eye, tongue, sword;
The expectancy and r'ose of the fare state,
The glass of fashion and the mould of form,
The observed of all observers - quite, quite down.

Here is another example for its usage:

His striking figure was the observed of all observers in London at the Jubilee of 1897. (from Trevetyan's "British History in the Nineteen Century".

V.