Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

He lived on starvation rations and spent his money on food for miners. When children in one family contracted fever, though feverish himself, he packed up his bed and took it to them.

A wealthy family in the community offered him free room and board. Van Gogh refused the offer, stating that it was the final temptation he must reject if he was to faithfully serve his community of poor miners.

What does "final temptation" mean here?

Thanks

[CP]

It means the last tempting thing that he must refuse. It would be tempting to get free room and board, but Van Gogh resisted the temptation.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[jasonlulu_2000]

Thanks, but why did the author use "last" or "final" since it doesn't indicate any sense of order?

Many thanks