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Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Chapter 10: The Voyage of Nutbeem
Explanation and Analysis—Donkey's Years:
In Chapter 10, Nutbeem uses an idiom when explaining the falling out between Jack and Dennis Buggit to Quoyle:
"Then he said, 'If you ever set foot in a boat again I'll drown you myself.' Of course, soon as the casts were off his arms, Dennis went out squid jigging with his wife. And Jack shook his fist at him and they don't speak."
"How long ago?" asked Quoyle, sending the foam in his glass around in a circle until a vortex formed.
"Oh donkey's years. Long ago. Before I came here."
The idiom "donkey's years" likely originated somewhere in the UK and means a very long time, helpfully signalled by Proulx in the text with her addition of "long ago." It is thought to have derived from the fact that donkeys live particularly long lives. It makes sense that Nutbeem would use this idiom, as he's originally from the UK.
Writing in the tradition of regionalism, Proulx is extra careful about language use, making sure characters' vocabulary matches their native areas. Nutbeem uses other British idiomatic language throughout the novel. He calls his boat "mimsy," refers to somebody getting "soused" or drunk, and refers to Jack Buggit as a "weird chap."
