Women know the way to rear up children (to be just). They know a simple, merry, tender knack of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes, and stringing pretty words that make no sense. And kissing full sense into empty words.
Elizabeth Barrett BrowningRead
At painful times, when composition is impossible and reading not enough, grammars and dictionaries are excellent for distraction.
Interpretation
What this quote means
During difficult times when creative expression feels unattainable, studying grammar and dictionaries can provide a helpful diversion.
This quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning emphasizes that in moments of emotional distress or writer's block, turning to the structure of language through grammars and dictionaries can offer a productive distraction. It suggests that instead of forcing creativity, one can immerse themselves in the mechanics of language to find solace and perhaps gain inspiration in the process.
Themes
DistractionLanguageCreativityWritingStudy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a writing workshop when discussing overcoming writer's block.
More from Elizabeth Barrett Browning
All quotes βShe has seen the mystery hid Under Egypt's pyramid: By those eyelids pale and close Now she knows what Rhamses knows.
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First time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write; And, ever since, it grew more clean and white.
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Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes.
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Our Euripides the human, With his droppings of warm tears, and his touchings of things common Till they rose to meet the spheres.
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Love me sweet With all thou art Feeling, thinking, seeing; Love me in the Lightest part, Love me in full Being.
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