“Strolling down a white-graveled walk to the cliff above the ocean, he let his eyes rove aimlessly over the expanse of sea and sand: The icy-looking whitecaps, the blinking, faraway sails of boats, the sweeping, constantly searching gulls. Desolation. Eternal, infinite. Like Dostoevski’s conception of eternity, a fly circling about a privy, the few signs of life only emphasized the loneliness.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Jim Thompson, the narrator describes a scene of desolation and loneliness as they observe the vast expanse of the sea and sand. The use of vivid imagery, such as the icy whitecaps and faraway sails, creates a sense of isolation and emptiness. By comparing this desolate scene to Dostoevski's concept of eternity as a fly circling a privy, the narrator emphasizes the feeling of eternal loneliness and insignificance in the face of nature. This quote captures the melancholic mood and existential themes often found in Thompson's noir fiction.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Jim Thompson's work, the narrator reflects on the desolation and infinite loneliness of the environment around him. This theme of isolation and emptiness is a concept that continues to resonate in the modern world, especially in today's fast-paced, technologically-driven society where people may feel disconnected despite being constantly connected. The imagery of the vast ocean and empty beach serves as a reminder of the existential plight that many individuals grapple with in the contemporary world.
Example of Usage:
In this passage from Jim Thompson's work, the protagonist's contemplation of his surroundings reflects a sense of desolation and loneliness. Thompson's vivid description of the sea, sand, and sky captures the character's emotional state as he grapples with feelings of isolation and insignificance.
Reflection Questions
Consider the following questions as you reflect on the passage from Jim Thompson's work:
How does Thompson's use of descriptive language, such as "icy-looking whitecaps" and "sweeping, constantly searching gulls," contribute to the overall mood of desolation in the passage?
In what ways does the setting of the cliff above the ocean symbolize a sense of eternal loneliness or isolation?
How does Thompson's reference to Dostoevski's conception of eternity add depth to the passage's exploration of existential themes?
What do you think the fly circling about a privy symbolizes in the context of the larger themes of loneliness and desolation present in the passage?
Similar quotes
“Tell you something," the raven said. "I was flying over the Midwest once." He stopped abruptly, closed his eyes for a moment, opened them, and began again. "I was flying over the Midwest. Iowa or Illinois, or some place like that. And I saw this big damn seagull. Right in the middle of Iowa, a seagull. And he was flying around in big, wide circles, real sweeping circles, the way a seagull flies, flapping his wings just enough to keep on the updrafts. Every time he saw water he'd go flying down toward it, yelling, "I found it! I found it!" The poor sonofabitch was looking for the ocean. And every time he saw water, he thought that was the ocean. He didn't know anything about ponds or lakes or anything. All the water he ever saw was the ocean. He thought that was all the water there was.”
“Life is like stepping onto a boat which is about to sail out to sea and sink.”
“Sea-feverI must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tideIs a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-roverAnd quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.”
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“Today, Aaron decided, he would begin to grieve in earnest. He would walk the lonely beach, mocked by gulls, uncaring, his every step a stately rebuke to the malign forces that had blighted his fate. His was the tragedy of a man who couldn't have his own way, and he intended to make known his anguish in the solemn solitude that only a stretch of sand, a suspiring sea, and a beetling cliff could provide.”