Curses of vanished elders echoed down on me; too pretty, too soft, too pale, eyes far too full of the Devil, ah, that devilish smile
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the powerful influence of past generations and the struggle with one's own identity and temptation.
In this quote, Anne Rice encapsulates the haunting legacy of the past and the seductive nature of one's own flaws and desires. The 'curses of vanished elders' suggest that the weight of history and the expectations of previous generations can affect a person's sense of self, creating a contrast between societal ideals and personal reality. The 'devilish smile' alludes to both charm and danger, highlighting the internal conflict between conforming to conventional standards and embracing one's true nature.
In practice
In a speech about overcoming family expectations, you might use this quote to illustrate how the weight of the past can influence personal choices.
From my stone pillow I have dreamed dreams of the mortal world above. I have heard its voices, its new music, as lullabies as I lie in my grave. I have envisioned its fantastical discoveries. I have known its courage in the timeless sanctum of my thoughts. And though it shuts me out with its dazzling forms, I long for one with the strength to roam it fearlessly, to ride the Devil's Road through its heart.
We all suffer under a curse, the curse that we know more than we can endure, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing we can do about the force and the lure of this knowledge.
And so this young one, this young one whom I had so loved, I had to forsake, no matter how broken my heart, no matter how lonely my soul, no matter how bruised my intellect and spirit.
Dear God, help me. Do not forget me on this tiny cinder lost in a galaxy that is lostβa heart no bigger than a speck of dust beating, beating against death, against meaninglessness, against guilt, against sorrow.
The vampires have always been metaphors for me. They've always been vehicles through which I can express things I have felt very, very deeply.
In the very depths of Hell, do not demons love one another?
Harm no other beings. They are just your brothers and sisters.
What is left over if I subtract the fact that my arms goes up from the fact that I raise my arm?
This world... ever was, and is, and shall be, ever-living Fire, in measures being kindled and in measures going out.
In my own life I know that my state of cheerfulness is a reliable gauge of my level of spiritual enlightenment at that moment. The more cheerful, happy, contented, and satisfied I am feeling, the more aware I am of my deep connection to Spirit.
Our assessment of socio-economic worth is largely a sham. We scientists should not lend ourselves to it - though we routinely do. We should, instead, insist on applying the criterion of quality.
What would tomorrow bring? I wondered. Both hands on the wheel, I closed my eyes. I didnβt feel like I was in my own body; my body was just a lonely, temporary container I happened to be borrowing. What would become of me tomorrow I did not know.
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