Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[imchongjun]

Hello, teachers.
Would you please help me understand the following passage?

"My friend", he said, "you know very well that when we walk in the great paths of life I am unscrupulous. In those other hours, alas! I have a weakness,--I love women."
(The Great Impersonation from Project Gutenberg)

Does he mean simply "while we live, we sometimes become unscrupulous"? And "in those other hours" means the time when we deviate from the right path of life and get indulged in some dishonorable activities? The speaker is a German-born, naturalized British gentleman. I appreciate your help very much.

[Suzanne]

Hello,

This is not an easy sentence to understand.
"My friend", he said, "you know very well that when we walk in the great paths of life I am unscrupulous. In those other hours, alas! I have a weakness,--I love women."

Let me see if I can paraphrase it:

He said, "When in the important situations of life that require honesty and ethical behavior, I'm not like other people. I do as I wish. I pay no attention to what is right or honorable. Beyond violating those principles, I admit to a weakness: I love women."

Perhaps others will also contribute their paraphrases.
I hope this helps!

[imchongjun]

Thank you, Suzanne. Your comment definitely helps. Though I am still a bit puzzled about "in those other hours" part, I geuss I got the general meaning.

[Suzanne]

Hi!
"In those other hours" is the author's way of saying, "during the time I'm not being dishonest and unscrupulous..." He could have also said, "In those others hours, when I'm not disregarding the rules, I confess that I do have one guilty pleasure: I love women."

That's what I meant when I said it was a difficult sentence!

[imchongjun]

Oh, now I understand!! Thank you very much. You are a great help!!!