The Yellow Wallpaper

Status
Not open for further replies.

Anne59

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2007
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
Spanish
Home Country
Spain
Current Location
Spain
Hi, The following is taken from "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilmour:-

"to live in such a room for worlds"
Can anyone help me with the meaning of this?

Thanks you.
 

5jj

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Oct 14, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Czech Republic
Current Location
Czech Republic
More context would help.
 

BobK

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Location
Spencers Wood, near Reading, UK
Member Type
Retired English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
More context would help.

Here it is: 'Why, I wouldn't have a child of mine, an impressionable little thing, live in such a room for worlds.' The disembodied phrase we were given in the OP omitted the verbal part, which explains the use of 'for worlds'.

'I would not for worlds allow a child of mine to live in such a room.' There is a long continuum of exaggerated expressions of extent, ranging from 'for two pins' ('for two pins I'd <verb>' = I would take very little persuading to do it) to 'I wouldn't do it for worlds' (= No amount of persuasion would make me do it.

b
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5jj
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top