“What a view, i said again. The river was blank and mindless with beauty. It was the most glorious thing I have ever seen. But it was not seeing, really. For once it was not just seeing. It was beholding. I beheld the river in its icy pit of brightness, in its far-below sound and indifference, in its large coil and tiny points and flashes of the moon, in its long sinuous form, in its uncomprehending consequence.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from James Dickey's novel, the speaker is captivated by the beauty of the river and describes the experience as more than just seeing, but beholding. The speaker is overcome by the river's majesty and grandeur, using vivid imagery to convey its intricate details and overwhelming presence. The use of words like "glorious," "icy pit of brightness," and "uncomprehending consequence" creates a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world. This passage highlights the transformative power of nature and the profound impact it can have on an individual's perception and understanding of the world around them.
Modern Relevance
The quote from James Dickey's novel "Deliverance" still holds relevance in our modern world as it beautifully captures the feeling of awe and wonder that can come from experiencing the natural world. In today's fast-paced and technology-driven society, taking the time to truly behold and appreciate the beauty of nature can offer a sense of peace and perspective. This quote serves as a reminder to slow down, disconnect from distractions, and immerse ourselves in the beauty that surrounds us.
Moments of beholding nature's beauty
“What a view, i said again. The river was blank and mindless with beauty. It was the most glorious thing I have ever seen. But it was not seeing, really. For once it was not just seeing. It was beholding. I beheld the river in its icy pit of brightness, in its far-below sound and indifference, in its large coil and tiny points and flashes of the moon, in its long sinuous form, in its uncomprehending consequence.” - James Dickey
Reflection Questions:
When was the last time you experienced true beholding of nature like the speaker in the poem?
How does the speaker's description of the river as "mindless with beauty" make you see the natural world in a new light?
What do you think the speaker means by the river's "uncomprehending consequence"? How does this idea resonate with your own understanding of nature's power and significance?
Similar quotes
“Before I had studied Chan for thirty years, I saw mountains as mountains, and rivers as rivers. When I arrived at a more intimate knowledge, I came to the point where I saw that mountains are not mountains, and rivers are not rivers. But now that I have got its very substance I am at rest. For it's just that I see mountains once again as mountains, and rivers once again as rivers.”
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“I hated the mountains and the hills, the rivers and the rain. I hated the sunsets of whatever colour, I hated its beauty and its magic and the secret I would never know. I hated its indifference and the cruelty which was part of its loveliness. Above all I hated her. For she belonged to the magic and the loveliness. She had left me thirsty and all my life would be thirst and longing for what I had lost before I found it.”
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“I sat there and forgot and forgot, until what remained was the river that went by and I who watched... Eventually the watcher joined the river, and there was only one of us. I believe it was the river.Even the anatomy of a river was laid bare. Not far downstream was a dry channel where the river had run once, and part of the way to come to know a thing is through its death. But years ago I had known the river when it flowed through this now dry channel, so I could enliven its stony remains with the waters of memory.”