Recently I have come across the following paragraphs in "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte:
Why not play the piano? Does "on" change the meaning? Would you please point out the difference to me!
‘I dare say you are clever, though,’ continued Bessie, by
way of solace. ‘What can you do? Can you play on the piano?
It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied
with tranquillity: they must have action; and they will
make it if they cannot find it. Millions are condemned to
a stiller doom than mine, and millions are in silent revolt
against their lot. Nobody knows how many rebellions besides
political rebellions ferment in the masses of life which
people earth. Women are supposed to be very calm generally:
but women feel just as men feel; they need exercise for
their faculties, and a field for their efforts, as much as their
brothers do; they suffer from too rigid a restraint, too absolute
a stagnation, precisely as men would suffer; and it is
narrow-minded in their more privileged fellow-creatures to
say that they ought to confine themselves to making puddings
and knitting stockings, to playing on the piano and
embroidering bags. It is thoughtless to condemn them, or
laugh at them, if they seek to do more or learn more than
custom has pronounced necessary for their sex.
Why not play the piano? Does "on" change the meaning? Would you please point out the difference to me!