To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of that sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the object photographed.
Joan DidionRead
When I began writing these pages I believed their subject to be children, the ones we have and the ones we wish we had, the ways in which we depend on our children to depend on us, the ways in which we encourage them to remain children, the ways in which they remain more unknown to us than they do to their more casual acquaintances; the ways in which we remain equally opaque to them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the complex relationship between parents and children, emphasizing the mutual dependence and lack of understanding in that bond.
Joan Didion's quote delves into the intricate dynamics of the parent-child relationship. It highlights how parents often perceive their children and their needs, while also touching on the ways children see their parents. Didion suggests that both parties have their own mysteries and complexities that are often overlooked, leading to a deeper commentary on the challenge of truly understanding one another within familial bonds.
Themes
FamilyChildrenUnderstandingRelationshipsParenting
In practice
Example use cases
A parent might use this quote in a speech about the challenges of raising children.
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