Read this passage from "an episode of war." what would be the best modern paraphrase of the soldier's line?
the lieutenant had been very meek, but now his face flushed, and he looked into the doctor's eyes. "i guess i won't have it amputated," he said.
"nonsense, man! nonsense! nonsense! " cried the doctor. "come along, now. i won't amputate it. come along. don't be a baby."
i think my arm does need amputation.
do not amputate my arm.
does my arm need to be amputated?
i hope you will not amputate my arm.