What does the narrator mean in saying, 'there was considerable difficulty in inducing Oliver to take upon himself the office of respiration'?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an interpretation of a specific phrase in the excerpt from 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. It seeks to explain what is meant by the narrator's statement regarding the difficulties in inducing Oliver to breathe upon his birth.
Answer
Oliver was not breathing at first.
The narrator means that Oliver was not breathing at first.
Answer for screen readers
The narrator means that Oliver was not breathing at first.
More Information
This expression from Charles Dickens’ 'Oliver Twist' indicates that Oliver struggled to breathe right after birth, a dramatic way of emphasizing the precariousness of his start in life.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume it means emotional reluctance rather than a physical inability or difficulty.
Sources
- Explanation on Oliver's difficulty in breathing - brainly.com
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