Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times,

[GoodTaste]

Is the expression " Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times" a sign of praising its fresh air, or a sign of criticizing or complaining its harsh weather?


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Wuthering Heights is the name of Mr. Heathcliff’s dwelling. ‘Wuthering’ being a significant provincial adjective, descriptive of the atmospheric tumult to which its station is exposed in stormy weather. Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times, indeed: one may guess the power of the north wind blowing over the edge, by the excessive slant of a few stunted firs at the end of the house; and by a range of gaunt thorns all stretching their limbs one way, as if craving alms of the sun. Happily, the architect had foresight to build it strong: the narrow windows are deeply set in the wall, and the corners defended with large jutting stones.

-Wuthering Heights

Source

 

[Tarheel]

I think it's intended as a descriptive phrase.

 

[GoodTaste]

I think it's intended as a descriptive phrase.

For its descriptive purpose, what does the phrase describe?

 

[Tarheel]

It's hard to tell. It's probably something that is strong yet lets the wind get through. In any case, rather than focusing on that phrase it is more important to get the sense of the whole paragraph.

 

[GoodTaste]

I agree. Let us refocus on the question:

Is the expression "Pure, bracing ventilation they must have up there at all times" a sign of praising its fresh air, or a sign of criticizing or complaining its harsh weather?

 

[Tarheel]

I think it's more about the harsh weather -- especially the strong winds.

 

[GoodTaste]

I think it's more about the harsh weather -- especially the strong winds.

Does the use of the word "Pure" reminds the reader that the writer still more or less appreciates it despite the harsh weather?

 

[Tarheel]

Does the use of the word "Pure" tell the reader that the writer still more or less appreciates it despite the harsh weather?

Your guess is as good as mine.