Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[imchongjun]

Hello, teachers.
Would you help me understand the meaning of "climate" in the following passage?

(The speaker is in a London hotel and speaks about Africa where he was before he came to London)
"I had finished my lunch before you came in," his friend replied. "I drink another glass of wine with you, perhaps. Afterwards a liqueur�who can say? In this climate one is favoured, one can drink freely. Sir Everard and I, Mr. Mangan, have been in places where thirst is a thing to be struggled against, where for months a little weak brandy and water was our chief dissipation."
(http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5815/5815-h/5815-h.htm)

Does "climate" here simply means "the weather"? Does the whole sentence mean "In this weather one can drink any amount of booze"? It seems to me that this sentence and the last sentence make a contrast: "Here in London, we can drink any amount of booze, but in Africa we had only a little brandy and water". If my interpretation is right, the meaning of "climate" should be something like "place" or "location", but no such meanings are listed in the dictionary. I appreciate your help very much.

[Suzanne]

"Climate" in this context means "situation." The speaker could also say, "In these circumstances...one can drink freely."
The speaker is saying that in London--as apposed to Africa--alcohol is accepted.

Does this help? If you need more, please let me know.

[pugachevV]

I think you could make a case that climate means the general weather prevailing in the area.
He does mention that he has "been in places where thirst is a thing to be struggled against..."
I think he means it literally - in Africa drought is a fact of life.
In London, you never have to worry about being thirsty.

[Suzanne]

Hmmmm...I see your point.

I meant to explain that "climate" does not always refer to weather conditions. "Dissipation" gave me my clue: it can mean to be extravagant in the pursuit of pleasure. "Here in London, we can drink any amount of booze, but in Africa we had only a little brandy and water".
For someone, regardless of where he or she has been, to have only had access to a limited amount of alcohol, being able to enjoy wine or liqueur without any restrictions is pure dissipation! And, of course, dissipation is not restricted to drinking alcoholic beverages.

The point is...climate can mean more than one thing.

Thanks for the great discussion!

[imchongjun]

Thank you, Suzanne and pugachevV, for your clear explanations!! Really helps!!