American needs help with expression in English novel (to live, relationship)

[Yeledaf]

I came across the following in a book by Joyce Cary:

"I would not like to live with her for she would have been the brass pot to any delf."

Translation, please!

Thanks in advance.

[Brontosaurus]

Delf is glazed earthenware from Delft in the Netherlands. I think the meaning is that a delf will be crushed by a brass pot as here at 3 minutes 6 seconds in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGzO2aDDRU

[James1202]

Originally Posted by Yeledaf

I came across the following in a book by Joyce Cary:

"I would not like to live with her for she would have been the brass pot to any delf."

Translation, please!

Thanks in advance.

The brass pot is the main object, stronger, and more durable. The delft is the minor thing, softer, and more fragile.

In the quote, "...she would have been the brass pot to any delft" indicates she would have insisted on being the more important person of any relationship; she would, for example, insist on her needs being met first and her opinions given the greater consideration.

[ABQConvict]

In the US, we usually refer to 'delf' as Delftware.

[Londoncowboy30]

Originally Posted by Brontosaurus

Delf is glazed earthenware from Delft in the Netherlands. I think the meaning is that a delf will be crushed by a brass pot as here at 3 minutes 6 seconds in:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGzO2aDDRU

Hahahaha classic scene