“Stars are beautiful, but they may not take an active part in anything, they must just look on for ever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was. So the older ones have become glassy-eyed and seldom speak (winking is the star language), but the little ones still wonder.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis
In this quote from J.M. Barrie, the author uses personification to describe stars as sentient beings with thoughts and emotions. The idea that stars are punished for a long-forgotten transgression adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to their existence. The comparison of older stars to "glassy-eyed" individuals who rarely speak, and younger stars to curious beings who still wonder, creates a poignant image of the passage of time and the loss of innocence. Overall, this quote invites readers to reflect on the nature of existence and the idea of eternal observation.
Relevance of J.M. Barrie's Quote in Modern Times
In J.M. Barrie's quote, he muses about the beauty and passivity of stars, suggesting that they are being punished by having to watch events unfold without being able to actively participate. This idea can be relevant in modern times when considering the concept of being a bystander or observer in different situations. It can serve as a reminder of the importance of taking action and speaking up, especially in times of injustice or adversity. The idea that even the smallest stars still wonder hints at the importance of curiosity and staying engaged with the world around us.
A Quote by J.M. Barrie on the Nature of Stars
"Stars are beautiful, but they may not take an active part in anything, they must just look on for ever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was. So the older ones have become glassy-eyed and seldom speak (winking is the star language), but the little ones still wonder." - J.M. Barrie
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this quote by J.M. Barrie, consider the following questions:
- What do you think the author is trying to convey about the nature of stars and their role in the universe?
- How do you interpret the idea that stars may be being punished for something they did long ago?
- How does this quote make you feel about the concept of eternity and the passage of time?
- Do you think there are parallels between the behavior of stars in this quote and human behavior or emotions?
- In what ways do you see this quote as a reflection on the beauty and mystery of the universe?
Similar quotes
“Stars are beautiful, but they must not take an active part in anything, they must just look on forever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was.”
“Stars are beautiful, but they may not take an active part in anything, they must just look on for ever. It is a punishment put on them for something they did so long ago that no star now knows what it was. So the older ones have become glassy-eyed and seldom speak (winking is star language), but the little ones still wonder. They are not really friendly to Peter, who had a mischievous way of stealing up behind them and trying to blow them out, but they are so fond of fun that they were on his side tonight, and anxious to get the grown-ups out of the way. So as soon as the door of 27 closed on Mr. and Mrs. Darling there was a commotion in the firmament, and the smallest of all the stars in the Milky Way screamed out. "Now, Peter!”
“If you shut your eyes and are a lucky one, you may see at times a shapeless pool of lovely pale colours suspended in the darkness; then if you squeeze your eyes tighter, the pool begins to take shape, and the colours become so vivid that with another squeeze they must go on fire.”
“A moment after the fairy's entrance the window was blown open by the breathing of the little stars, and Peter dropped in.”
“Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning. ”
“Peter was not with them for the moment, and they felt rather lonely up there by themselves. He could go so much faster than they that he would suddenly shoot out of sight, to have some adventure in which they had no share. He would come down laughing over something fearfully funny he had been saying to a star, but he had already forgotten what it was, or he would come up with mermaid scales still sticking to him, and yet not be able to to say for certain what had been happening. It was really rather irritating to children who had never seen a mermaid.”