Let us then simplify and assert that since the only test of truth is length of life, and since words survive the chops and changes of time longer than any other substance, therefore they are the truest.
what is her definition o ture? at first i interpreted true as the true meaning but here Woolf seems to be referring to words in their true form.
When the novelist is forced to inform us that John rang the bell after a pause the door was opened by a parlourmaid who said, “Mrs. Jones is not at home,” he will to our great gain and his own comfort convey that repulsive statement not in words, but in signs —
what is Woolf's definition of words and signs? What's the difference?
Not with words; words would at once bring into being shrubberies and billiard tables,
what does Woolf mean by this comparison, does she mention shrubberies and billiard tables, to show that it's confusing and can lead to many conclusions
We are beginning to invent another language — a language perfectly and beautifully adapted to express useful statements, a language of signs.
the "useful statements" she refers to is really broad, because "useful" could mean many things. I also like how Woolf mentions that we are beginning to "invent a new language" because that reminds me a lot of slang that is used in the city. Each place can "invent" slang as it is needed based on how they live their everyday lives.
that they hate being useful, that it is their nature not to express one simple statement but a thousand possibilities
this point that she makes is interesting because she essentially says that words are only useful when there is only one meaning, yet it is interesting how one word can mean so many things to different people
“Windows, yes windows
The comparison that Wolf makes here is very interesting because she talks about how the audience begins to misconstrue the meaning of words and do the opposite. Does Woolf make this comparison to describe her audience while they read her pieces?
and words are the only things that tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
This is an interesting point that Woolf makes because words for writers can me personal, or impersonal. For example the meaning of the words that Woolf writes may hold one true meaning for her, but for the audience the truth of her words could mean anything that connects to our lives, or personal experiences.
the talker
the talker? what is this form of english?
We
Woolf uses the word "we", but who is the audience? who is the writer talking to?