[General] chafe the very air in the Park

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vil

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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?

Arlington Street and Piccadilly seemed to chafe the very air in the Park and lift its leaves hotly, brilliantly, on waves of that divine vitality which Clarissa loved.

chafe the very air in the Park = charge the very air in the Park with electricity

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V.
 

Flittle

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Hello Vil,

I think your interpretation of the expression does in fact convey the meaning although it is not the one I would have chosen. Even your introduction of electricity is justified because rubbing things together does produce static electricity.

I would say 'inflame the very air in the Park, 'agitate' would be another possibility.

The park in question being Green Park, Piccadilly and Arlington St are very busy with traffic including many double decker buses and if you stand in Piccadilly you can feel the movement of air. For me Green Park is an island of tranquility in a very busy area but I do understand the writers meaning because if you are on the edge of the park that is probably the impression that you would get.

Frank
 
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vil

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Hi Flttle,

Thank you for your thorough answer.

Neverteless, I am deem in my duty to say that my interpretation of the key phrase is right enough.
If you go to the trouble to read the following excerpts from my dictionary, you will come round to the opinion that I am right.

electricity (n) = the physical phenomena arising from the behavior of electrons and protons that is caused by the attraction of particles with opposite charges and the repulsion of particles with the same charge

electrify (v) = charge with electricity = 1. to produce electric charge on or in (a conductor) or an area; 2. to excite, thrill, startle greatly, or shock: a powerful performance that electrified the audience

excite = agitate = inflame

Thank you again for your kindness.

Regards,

V.
 

Flittle

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Oct 21, 2005
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Hi Vil,

Yes, as I said, I agree that your interpretation does indeed convey the writers meaning. My interpretation is a personal one based on my knowledge of the area around Green Park and many hours spent there. It is an instinctive answer and therefore represents an opinion that I thought I would share with you.
I hope it was helpful.

Best Wishes

Frank
 
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