ahava_yin  +  347146 Wed, 04 Apr 07 11:27 AM Hi everyone, I read the book "A diary of the Century" and found the sentences. "Surprised that I should live so long. Surprised that it should seem so short. Surprised that I am not famous. Surprised that I should be surprised because I am not famous." What meaning does the word should here in the sentences carry? What effects did the auther want create with the word? Thank you! ahava_yin Joined on Thu, Sep 9 2004 Full Member 335 Hi, I'm learning English. Your notes help me a lot. I love the forum.

	Philip  +  347245 Wed, 04 Apr 07 05:40 PM  Ahava_yin wrote: Hi everyone, I read the book "A diary of the Century" and found the sentences. "Surprised that I should live so long. Surprised that it should seem so short. Surprised that I am not famous. Surprised that I should be surprised because I am not famous." What meaning does the word should here in the sentences carry? What effects did the auther want create with the word? Thank you! "should" here = "I didn't think it would be/happen but it did".  I think the effect of incomplete sentences is more significant than the use of 'should'.  Philip Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005 Veteran Member 8,738 At reise er at leve! - H. C. Andersen

	Doll  +  348657 Mon, 09 Apr 07 11:44 AM Hi Anon. I entered that exam.Can you please ask your question again? I want to be sure about what you want. Doll Joined on Sat, Mar 10 2007 Senior Member 2,813

	Doll  +  356554 Fri, 27 Apr 07 12:16 PM This question is too general.Try to search it in search box on the right of the page. Doll