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?
If we live truly, we shall see truly.
In my view all salvation for philosophy may be expected to come from Darwin's theory
Perhaps loneliness had nothing to do with place or circumstance; perhaps it was in you; yourself. Perhaps, wherever you were, you took your little circle of loneliness with you.
The man or nation of high culture may acknowledge to great lengths the restraints imposed by conventions and honour, but beyond a certain point, primitive will or desire cannot be curbed.
We look back, already, with astonishment, at the daring outrages committed by despotism, on the reason and rights of man; we look forward with joy, to the period, when it shall be despoiled of all its usurpations, and bound forever in the chains, with which it had loaded its miserable victims.
No one should question the faith of others, for no human being can judge the ways of God.
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