Can you give more context?

So much for ...

I'd say; the sentence refers to what was just said.

The context is quite complicated (and long) (Benjamin: Literaturgeschichte und Literaturwissenschaft http://gutenberg.spiegel.de/buch/2981/106 )

It's really a question of interpretation. I just would like to know if there is a fixed pattern for such a sentence. My natural feeling first made me naturally think that it was related to what was said before. But than came that terrible sceptical feeling and know doubt reigns.

Anyway, many thanks!

V.

I've read once more very caregfully the passage. It's in the beginning of a paragraph. I guess, it refers to what follows. Thanks!

I agree with dude, although 'so much for' usually sounds like a disrespectful summing-up to my ear while 'soviel von' may have that dimension but usually hasn't. ('Soviel zu ...' would be stronger in that respect.) 'Soviel von ...' is more like 'I've said enough about subject X, now let's turn to subject Y'.

After having read the article I feel that your first impression was correct. He starts the new paragraph by saying that he will change the focus now.

As for 'fixed patterns': If a soviel zu/von is meant to refer to what you are going to say, not to what you have said, it will usually have a colon and very probably a nur inserted: 'Nur soviel zum Thema x:' or 'Zur Frage Y (nur) soviel:'.

In the present case you were probably bewildered by the fact that the 'soviel von ...' phrase starts a new paragraph. You'd expect it to conclude the paragraph if it referred to what was said before. Nevertheless, the context makes it clear that it is meant as a link: 'so much for that, but let us now consider ...' For Benjamin to have placed it at the end of the preceding paragraph would have meant to give the impression of 'that's my last word on social circumstances'. Instead of giving it undue emphasis, he stresses the fact that he has more to say. Quite cute, if you ask me.

Sebastian,

cute are your commentaries, if someone asks me.

Thanks a lot!

V.