by vinobrien » Wed Jul 30, 2003 3:15 pm
Let me, by thorough explanation, deflate what was a simple passing remark. The description of the burnt body that Tom Wolfe describes at length is extraordinarily unpleasant. The euphemism "burned beyond recogntion" is therefore important to me because it allows enough factual content to be communicated to me without causing nausea. My original posting was intended to be a light, witty comment indicating some interest in, even gratitude for, yours. I will, of course, endeavour to be clearer with you on similar points in the future.<br /><br />To conclude, may I add that I rejoice at your understanding of euphemism, which I hope extends to litotes and meiosis, and also that I can see no metaphor in the passage but, rather, a simile.
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