I wasn't sure about that, but one never knows. Sometimes a neighborhood, like a culture or civilization, is strong enough to absorb and acculturate any number of newcomers. But I don't know if that's true around here any longer. The outward forms and appearances look the same - [...]- but the substance has been altered.

Summary

The quote suggests a hesitation and uncertainty regarding the ability of a neighborhood or community to maintain its resilience in the face of significant change. It highlights the notion that, at times, communities can successfully embrace and integrate newcomers, much like cultures or civilizations can. However, the speaker expresses doubt about whether this still holds true in their particular environment. The appearance might remain familiar, but the speaker perceives a fundamental shift or alteration in the essence or substance of the community, perhaps suggesting a possible loss of its original character or identity.

Topics