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I fear I have not one good word to say this fair morning, though the sun shines so encouragingly on the distant hills and gentle river and the trees are in their festive hues. I am not festive, though contented. When obliged to give myself to the prose of life, as I am on this occasion of being established in a new home I like to do the thing, wholly and quite, - to weave my web for the day solely from the grey yarn.
Margaret Fuller
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a struggle between the external beauty of nature and the internal feelings of discontent, highlighting the complexity of human emotions.

Margaret Fuller reflects on a day that seems beautiful from the outside, with sunlight illuminating the scenery and vibrant colors in nature, yet she feels an internal conflict of not being able to express joy. This juxtaposition of her emotional state against the backdrop of nature illustrates the complexities of life, where one can feel both content and somber simultaneously. Her mention of weaving her web for the day from 'grey yarn' symbolizes her choice to embrace her reality, despite its lack of festive cheer.

Themes

EmotionsNatureContentmentLifeStruggle

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion about the complexity of emotions at a mental health seminar.

More from Margaret Fuller

We would have every arbitrary barrier thrown down. We would have every path laid open to woman as freely as to man.
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Plants of great vigor will almost always struggle into blossom, despite impediments. But there should be encouragement, and a free genial atmosphere for those of more timid sort, fair play for each in its own kind.
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Two persons love in one another the future good which they aid one another to unfold.
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It was not meant that the soul should cultivate the earth, but that the earth should educate and maintain the soul.
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It seems that it is madder never to abandon one's self than often to be infatuated; better to be wounded, a captive and a slave, than always to walk in armor.
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I now know all the people worth knowing in America, and I find no intellect comparable to my own.
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