Thank you, darling, for learning to play chess. It is an absolute necessity for any well organized family. (in a letter to his wife)
Alexander PushkinRead
I have outlasted all desire, My dreams and I have grown apart; My grief alone is left entire, The gleamings of an empty heart. The storms of ruthless dispensation Have struck my flowery garland numb, I live in lonely desolation And wonder when my end will come. Thus on a naked tree-limb, blasted By tardy winter's whistling chill, A single leaf which has outlasted Its season will be trembling still.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the enduring pain of loss and the passage of time amidst desolation.
In this poignant reflection, Pushkin expresses a deep sense of isolation and grief, illustrating how desires and dreams can fade over time, leaving only sorrow behind. The imagery of a single leaf clinging to a barren tree symbolizes resilience in the face of despair, embodying the struggle between life and the inevitable onset of death, while highlighting the profound loneliness that accompanies such an existence.
Themes
GriefLonelinessResilienceLossDesolation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared at a memorial service to express the ongoing nature of grief.
More from Alexander Pushkin
All quotes →I loved you; even now I may confess, Some embers of my love their fire retain; But do not let it cause you more distress, I do not want to sadden you again. Hopeless and tongue tied, yet I loved you dearly With pangs the jealous and the timid know; So tenderly I loved you, so sincerely, I pray God grant another love you so.
Alexander PushkinRead
I loved you: and, it may be, from my soul The former love has never gone away, But let it not recall to you my dole; I wish not sadden you in any way. I loved you silently, without hope, fully, In diffidence, in jealousy, in pain; I loved you so tenderly and truly, As let you else be loved by any man.
Alexander PushkinRead
My dreams, my dreams! What has become of their sweetness? What indeed has become of my youth?
Alexander PushkinRead
I do not like Moscow life. You live here not as you want to live, but as old women want you to.
Alexander PushkinRead
Thus people--so it seems to me-- Become good friends from sheer ennui.
Alexander PushkinRead
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