concept
ablativus absolutus
also: ablative absolute
The Latin "ablative absolute" construction, a classic set piece of gymnasium Latin-syntax instruction; named by the narrator among the involuntary grammar-drill flashbacks -- alongside irregular verbs and his uncle's sallow face -- triggered by any encounter with classical literature.
Reading notes
- Who Is to Blame? §35 ablativus absolutus
The "ablative absolute," a hallmark Latin syntactic construction and set piece of gymnasium grammar instruction; paired with ut consecutivum and the uncle's face as the trio of associations that trigger the narrator's comic, Pavlovian flinch from classical literature, making explicit the parallel between his own Latin education and the kitten's mousetrap drilling.