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The compound assembly of Evelyn Richter

English translation: Two answers

13:29 Nov 19, 2001
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Art/Literary / short story
English term or phrase: The compound assembly of Evelyn Richter
The compound assembly of Evelyn Richter. (Title of a short story: context: Three sides of the wide courtyard are covered with windows. The other is a wall hung with scaffolding. Some of the windows have a white sheet across them. The workmen have gone home leaving behind an aftersound of planks and shout. Frank saw Evelyn coming across the courtyard in a long coat."
VGP
Local time: 06:48
Selected answer:Two answers
Explanation:
I would suggest that the "compound assembly" is a play on words. First, it is a simple reference to the constructed compound (fenced or walled-in area containing a group of buildings or residences) that was either built by or owned by Evelyn Richter. Here, "compound assembly" is the subject of the phrase.

The second, and no doubt deeper, meaning would be a reference to the compound (that is, complex, complicated) assembly (make-up, composition) of the woman herself. In this instance, the phrase would reflect a woman who may wrongly be accused of being one-dimensional, but in fact is quite a bit more complicated once you scratch the surface.

My two cents' worth.
Selected response from:

Michael Estes
Grading comment
My goodness: your second interpretation is very good!!! And now let's try to render it into French. Thank you very much. Véronique
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4Two answers
Michael Estes


  

Answers


14 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Two answers


Explanation:
I would suggest that the "compound assembly" is a play on words. First, it is a simple reference to the constructed compound (fenced or walled-in area containing a group of buildings or residences) that was either built by or owned by Evelyn Richter. Here, "compound assembly" is the subject of the phrase.

The second, and no doubt deeper, meaning would be a reference to the compound (that is, complex, complicated) assembly (make-up, composition) of the woman herself. In this instance, the phrase would reflect a woman who may wrongly be accused of being one-dimensional, but in fact is quite a bit more complicated once you scratch the surface.

My two cents' worth.

Michael Estes
PRO pts in pair: 96
Grading comment
My goodness: your second interpretation is very good!!! And now let's try to render it into French. Thank you very much. Véronique
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