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except in so far as

HolyUnicorn

Senior Member
Mandarin / the Shanghai Dialect
Hello,

The rise of this reputation (Charles Strickland’s reputation) is one of the most romantic incidents in the history of art. But I do not propose to deal with Charles Strickland's work except in so far as it touches upon his character.

W. Somerset Maugham: The Moon and Sixpence

How can I understand “except in so far as”?
I imagine you know what 'except' means.

From the WRF Dictionary:

in so far as, insofar as /ˌɪnsəʊˈfɑː/adv
  1. to the degree or extent that
If you click on the link and scroll down you'll find other threads about 'insofar as'.

He doesn't want to talk about Charles Strickland's work unless it has some bearing upon his (Strickland's) character.
Thanks, london calling. I think it implies Charles Strickland's work only relates to his character to a limited extent. Am I correct?
I think it implies Charles Strickland's work only relates to his character to a limited extent. Am I correct?
No, you have misunderstood LC's answer. He (the author, presumably) is saying that he only wants to deal with (talk about) Strickland's work to a limited extent, by restricting himself to those aspects that touch upon (relate to) his character.
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