“Hitoshi:I'll never be able to be here again. As the minutes slide by, I move on. The flow of time is something I cannot stop. I haven't a choice. I go. One caravan has stopped, another starts up. There are people I've yet to meet, others I'll never see again. People who are gone before you know it, people who are just passing through. Even as we exchange hellos, they seem to grow transparent. I must keep living with the flowing river before my eyes. I earnestly pray that a trace of my girl-child self will always be with you.For waving good-bye, I thank you.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this poignant quote from Banana Yoshimoto's novel, the character Hitoshi reflects on the inevitability of time passing and the transient nature of human connections. Hitoshi acknowledges the constant movement of life, symbolized by caravans coming and going, and recognizes that people come into our lives briefly before fading away. The passage conveys a sense of nostalgia and acceptance of the passage of time, as well as a yearning for some part of oneself to endure in the memories of others. Ultimately, Hitoshi expresses gratitude for the people who have crossed paths with him, while also recognizing the fleeting nature of these interactions.
Modern Relevance
In this poignant passage from Banana Yoshimoto's novel, the protagonist Hitoshi reflects on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of time passing. This theme resonates in today's fast-paced world where we are constantly moving, meeting new people, and saying goodbye to others. The sentiment of cherishing memories and hoping a part of our past selves will always be remembered by those we leave behind is a universal aspect of the human experience.
Example of Usage
"Hitoshi:I'll never be able to be here again. As the minutes slide by, I move on. The flow of time is something I cannot stop. I haven't a choice. I go. One caravan has stopped, another starts up. There are people I've yet to meet, others I'll never see again. People who are gone before you know it, people who are just passing through. Even as we exchange hellos, they seem to grow transparent. I must keep living with the flowing river before my eyes. I earnestly pray that a trace of my girl-child self will always be with you.For waving good-bye, I thank you." - Banana Yoshimoto
Reflection Questions:
In this poignant passage by Banana Yoshimoto, the theme of impermanence and the continuous flow of time is explored. Here are some reflection questions to ponder upon after reading this passage:
- How do you feel about the inevitability of time passing and the transient nature of relationships?
- Have you ever experienced the feeling of saying goodbye to someone or something knowing you may never see it again? How did it make you feel?
- In what ways can we cherish the memories of those we have met but are no longer in our lives?
- How does the metaphor of a flowing river resonate with you personally in terms of life's constant changes and transitions?
- Reflect on the idea of holding onto our inner child selves as we navigate through life's uncertainties - how can this concept be applied in your own life?
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