“A mist still lay all about the walls and floors, hovering like a last breath on the lips of all the sleepers. As he walked through the castle, he marveled at how many lay asleep: the good people, the not-so-good, the young people and the not-so-young, and not one of them stirring. Not one.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Jane Yolen's writing, the eerie image of a mist hovering over a sleeping castle sets a haunting tone. The mention of both good and not-so-good people, as well as the juxtaposition of young and not-so-young sleepers, hints at the universal nature of sleep and vulnerability. The stillness and silence of the sleeping castle create a sense of foreboding, as the narrator marvels at the surreal scene before them.
The Modern Relevance of Jane Yolen's Words
In this passage by Jane Yolen, the imagery of people asleep in a castle can be seen as a metaphor for a society that is apathetic and indifferent to important issues. Just like the sleepers in the castle, many people today may be unaware or unwilling to engage with pressing social, political, or environmental issues. This can serve as a reminder for us to stay vigilant and not fall into a complacent state of indifference.
Description of a Sleeping Castle
"A mist still lay all about the walls and floors, hovering like a last breath on the lips of all the sleepers. As he walked through the castle, he marveled at how many lay asleep: the good people, the not-so-good, the young people and the not-so-young, and not one of them stirring. Not one.” - Jane Yolen"
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on this haunting image from Jane Yolen's writing, let us consider the following questions:
- What do you think the mist symbolizes in this passage?
- How does the author's description of the sleeping individuals make you feel?
- In what ways does this passage evoke a sense of stillness and quietude?
- How does the imagery of sleep contribute to the overall mood of the scene?
- What themes or messages do you think the author is conveying through this description of the castle and its inhabitants?
Similar quotes
“A mist. A great mist. It covered the entire kingdom. And everyone in it - the good people and the not so good, the young people and the not-so-young, and even Briar Rose's mother and father fell asleep. Everyone slept: lords and ladies, teacher and tummlers, dogs and doves, rabbits and rabbitzen and all kinds of citizens. So fast asleep they were, they were not able to wake up for a hundred years.”
“It was a marvelous night, the sort of night one only experiences when one is young. The sky was so bright, and there were so many stars that, gazing upward, one couldn't help wondering how so many whimsical, wicked people could live under such a sky.”
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