“Like Indian corn in August, the "what ifs" in my life were growing fast. Too fast.”
In this quote by Avi, the author uses a vivid metaphor comparing the growing uncertainties in their life to Indian corn in August. The comparison of "what ifs" in life to rapidly growing corn in August suggests a sense of overwhelm and abundance. Just as Indian corn grows rapidly and plentifully in the hot summer month, the uncertainties and possibilities in the speaker's life are multiplying quickly. This metaphor communicates a sense of urgency and a feeling of being inundated with endless questions and possibilities, reflecting the speaker's struggle to navigate through a multitude of choices and uncertainties in their life.
In today's fast-paced world of constant decision-making and opportunities, the quote by Avi about the overwhelming growth of "what ifs" in life resonates with many individuals. The pressure to make the right choices and fear of missing out on opportunities can create a sense of anxiety and uncertainty, much like the rapid growth of Indian corn in August. This timeless analogy serves as a reminder to slow down, prioritize what truly matters, and embrace the present moment.
"“Like Indian corn in August, the what ifs in my life were growing fast. Too fast.” - Avi"
When reading this quote from Avi, it is clear that the character is feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of possibilities and uncertainties in life. Reflecting on this, consider the following questions:
“Then the silence came back, that awful silence that seemed to just take over.In that silence I kept hearing what I had said--heard it repeating itself over and over again like a stuck record. I wanted it to stop. I didn't want to say things like that anymore. I was sick of that kind of lying. I wished I could say something real.But the silence was too big.”
“Laurence, not sure what to do, remained standing below the steps."And who is this?" Mrs Hamlyn asked.Patrick looked back. "His name is . . . Laurence, mistress."Mrs Hamlyn scrutinized the boy before her. "Where does he come from?" she said, finding him scrawny and dirty."He came to America on the same ship we did."Mrs Hamlyn pursed her lips. "He's very ragged. Is he from Ireland too?""England.""But a friend of yours?"Laurence and Patrick looked at each other."Is he?" Mrs Hamlyn asked again.Patrick said, "He saved my life, twice.""Did he? Then he must be a good friend indeed.”
“Now give me a kiss, say you love me and off you go.""Sure, Aunt Lu," I said, and I gave her the kiss she wanted. Then I ran out and caught my bus. I didn't say I loved her. I guess I did. But asking someone to say they love you--and she always asked--is like buying yourself a birthday present. It's more than likely exactly what you want. But it must make you feel awfully sad to get it.”
“I kept asking myself if I felt different, if I was different. The answer was always yes. I was no longer nothing… How odd, I thought; it had taken my mother’s death, Father Quinel’s murder, and the desire of others to kill me to claim a life of my own.”
“I took a deep breath. 'For you I've got something better than love.'What's that?'I...trust you.'Why?'You'll never hurt me.'Thank you.'But...'But, what?'I said, 'That means I'll hurt you.'Why?' 'Cause, like I said, you'll never hurt me back.”
“All I can think is that when you torment a person...the soul dies. When the soul dies, I suppose mercy dies, too.”