The comic spirit is given to us in order that we may analyze, weigh, and clarify things in us which nettle us, or which we are outgrowing, or trying to reshape
Thornton WilderRead
The knowledge that she would never be loved in return acted upon her ideas as a tide acts upon cliffs.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Unrequited love can shape one's thoughts and feelings profoundly.
This quote by Thornton Wilder illustrates the deep emotional impact of unrequited love. Just as tides erode cliffs over time, the realization of being unloved can gradually wear away at a person's thoughts and self-perception, influencing their ideas and perspective on love and relationships.
Themes
Unrequited LoveEmotional ImpactSelf-PerceptionThoughtsRelationship
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a discussion about the emotional effects of unrequited love in a psychology class.
More from Thornton Wilder
All quotes →A man looks pretty small at a wedding, George. All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
Thornton WilderRead
Good-by, Good-by, world. Good-by, Grover's Corners... Mama and Papa. Good-by to clocks ticking... and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new-ironed dresses and hot baths...and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
Thornton WilderRead
When you're safe at home you wish you were having an adventure; when you're having an adventure you wish you were safe at home.
Thornton WilderRead
Many great writers have been extraordinarily awkward in daily exchange, but the greatest give the impression that their style was nursed by the closest attention to colloquial speech.
Thornton WilderRead
I want you to try and remember what it was like to have been very young. And particularly the days when you were first in love; when you were like a person sleepwalking, and you didn’t quite see the street you were in, and didn’t quite hear everything that was said to you. You’re just a little bit crazy. Will you remember that, please?
Thornton WilderRead
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