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You felt it as a depth of ease in certain boys, their innate, affable assurance that they would not have to struggle for a place in the world; that is already reserved for them.
Tobias Wolff
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on certain boys' natural confidence and the ease they feel about their position in the world.

In this quote, Tobias Wolff observes the innate confidence of some boys, suggesting that they possess a sense of entitlement or assurance about their place in life. This ease stems from a belief that their success is predetermined, reflecting deeper societal expectations and privileges that shape their experiences, often contrasting with the struggles faced by others who do not share the same background or advantages.

Themes

ConfidenceEntitlementAssuranceSuccessStruggle

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion on privilege, this quote may highlight the ease some have in navigating life.

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I believe that the short story is as different a form from the novel as poetry is, and the best stories seem to me to be perhaps closer in spirit to poetry than to novels.
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Quote by Tobias Wolff | QuoteProject