What does this "oneself" mean here?

[Cap1034]

This sad story will, by itself, make you depressed.

What nuance does this "by itself" add?

 

[bhaisahab]

This sad story will, by itself, make you depressed.

What nuance does this "by itself" add?

Is the question about "oneself" or "by its self"?

 

[Cap1034]

The latter, sir.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

"By itself" means on its own, without any help from anything else.

 

[Tdol]

"By itself" means on its own, without any help from anything else.

It does, but it is a bit strange as stories normally work alone.

 

[Roman55]

Perhaps it means, "Without the need for any mood music to cue your emotions".

 

[Barb_D]

Or knowing the background of the people, or having a similar situation happen to you, or be in a down mood yourself to start with.

 

[Cap1034]

So it means "This story alone will make you sad?”

 

[emsr2d2]

So it means "This story alone will make you sad?”

Sort of. However, using "alone" makes it sound as if the story is the only thing that will ever make you sad (in your entire life). That is very unlikely. With other information, "alone" would work.

The music is emotive. The cinematography really captures the imagination. However, the story alone will move you to tears".