the jocose North Country youths
Does "the jocose North Country youths" refer to "alleged spirits" or does it refer to "living people"?
Mrs. Roberts Johnson is another medium who is unequal in her results, but who has at her best a very remarkable power with the Direct Voice. The religious element is wanting at her sittings, and the jocose North Country youths who come through create an atmosphere which amuses the sitters, but which may repel those who approach the subject with feelings of solemnity. The deep Scottish voice of the Glasgow control, David Duguid, a famous medium himself in his lifetime, is beyond all imitation by the throat of a woman, and his remarks are full of dignity and wisdom.
"The History of Spiritualism," by Arthur Conan Doyle
From what you've given us, it could be either. If they're sitting in or near a public place, then the youths might be boisterous people passing. If not, she might be channeling jolly souls of people who died young.
I don't see "alleged spirits" or "living people." Are you sure those are quotes?
Last edited by Charlie Bernstein; 27-Sep-2020 at 17:06.
I'm not a teacher. I speak American English. I've tutored writing at the University of Southern Maine and have done a good deal of copy editing and writing, occasionally for publication.
Conan Doyle says the jocose North Country youths who come through. I interpret come through as referring to "spirits".
Retired magazine editor and native British English speaker - not a teacher
I think that jacob123 is developing some scepticism about Conan Doyle's claims.Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein
Quotation marks around "spirits" as I have written in my previous post are there because I am showing my disbelief. Quotes are uneccessary if you say "alledged", and no quotes are needed around "living people".
Retired magazine editor and native British English speaker - not a teacher
I don't think using the word spirits without quotation marks would suggest that you believe in them. It's just speaking to the topic.
Jacob, if someone says or writes something, it's a quote. If they're your own words, it's not a quote.
Last edited by Charlie Bernstein; 27-Sep-2020 at 19:38.
I'm not a teacher. I speak American English. I've tutored writing at the University of Southern Maine and have done a good deal of copy editing and writing, occasionally for publication.
Yup. As I said, that's one way to read it. I also suggested another. You could very well have picked the right door. Which is actually right depends on more context than that short quote provides.
But I'll bet you're right.
I'm not a teacher. I speak American English. I've tutored writing at the University of Southern Maine and have done a good deal of copy editing and writing, occasionally for publication.
I can only see them as spirits.
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