Why does "de" = "with" in the sentence "seule la pleine lune éclairait DE sa lumière" - I've never understood this and I never find it explained?

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Why does "de" = "with" in the sentence "seule la pleine lune éclairait DE sa lumière" - I've never understood this and I never find it explained?

Asked 3 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi James,

It is a very poetic sentence but if you include the following one I think it makes more sense 

seule la pleine lune éclairait (de sa lumière pâle) le cimetière ...

If you place

de sa lumière pâle 

after the word  'cimetière

Only the full moon was shining upon the cemetery with its pale light

Hope this helps!

Jim J.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Hi James,

Sa lumière will be refering to la lune. So the text is expressing the light "from/of" the moon. 

Hope this helps.

Jim

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

de in the sentence has a causal connotation like "illuminated by...".

Why does "de" = "with" in the sentence "seule la pleine lune éclairait DE sa lumière" - I've never understood this and I never find it explained?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...