 #1 (permalink) Fri Aug 17, 2007 6:16 am The function of 'patient' |
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Hi,
Could you please help me make sure of the function of the word 'patient' in the passage below?
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| Their full slow eyes belied the words, the gestures eager and unoffending, but knew the rancours massed about them and knew their zeal was vain. Vain patience to heap and hoard. Time surely would scatter all. A hoard heaped by the roadside: plundered and passing on. Their eyes knew their years of wandering and, patient, knew the dishonours of their flesh. --Chapter II, Ulysses |
Should I take it as:
1. ...(because of) having been patient, (they) knew the dishonours of their flesh. Or,
2. ... (they) knew the the dishonours of their flesh, so they were patient. Or,
3. Both.
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| He came forward a pace and stood by the table. His underjaw fell sideways open uncertainly. Is this old wisdom? He waits to hear from me. |
4. Does it suggest: His underjaw fell sideways, mouth open uncertainly.?
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| --She never let them in, he cried again through his laughter as he stamped on gaitered feet over the gravel of the path. That's why. |
5. I wonder, 'on foot' would be acceptable.... Should I see 'on gaitered feet' as an extension or variation of the former?
Thank you!
Haihao |
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Haihao
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Joined: 26 Oct 2006
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Mister Micawber