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Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—A Night of Horrors:
As the men prepare to leave the malthouse, Susan Tall’s husband runs in with bad news to deliver to the men. Joseph, in frightened anticipation of what this news could be, lets loose a few folk idioms:
“What a night of horrors!” murmured Joseph Poorgrass waving his hands spasmodically, “I’ve had the new’s bell ringing in my left ear quite bad enough for a murder, and I’ve seed a magpie all alone!”
Related Themes:
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—A Pelican in the Wild:
Colloquialisms and regional language are not limited to the dialogue between the farmhands. In this scene after Fanny’s disappearance, both Bathsheba and her servant throw around some very specific idioms:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“What a pucker everything is in!” said Bathsheba, discontentedly when the child had gone. “Get away Mary-Ann, or go on with your scrubbing, or do something! You ought to be married by this time, and not here troubling me.”
“Ay, Miss-so I did. But what between the poor men I won’t have, and the rich men who won’t have me, I stand forlorn as a pelican in the wilderness. Ah, poor soul of me!”
Related Themes:
