“In marching, in mobs, in football games, and in war, outlines become vague; real things become unreal and a fog creeps over the mind. Tension and excitement, weariness, movement--all merge in one great gray dream, so that when it is over, it is hard to remember how it was when you killed men or ordered them to be killed. Then other people who were not there tell you what it was like and you say vaguely, "yes, I guess that's how it was.”
Explore This Quote Further
Modern Relevance of Steinbeck's Quote
In this quote, John Steinbeck explores the disorienting and dehumanizing effects of being part of a group or a collective action. The blurring of reality and the detachment from one's own actions can have serious implications, especially in today's interconnected world where individuals can easily become part of larger movements or causes.
Quote Analysis
In this quote by John Steinbeck, the author delves into the idea of how the intensity and chaos of certain situations can blur the lines between reality and illusion. Steinbeck highlights the way in which individuals can become swept up in the emotion and energy of events like marching, football games, or war, leading them to lose sight of the true consequences of their actions. The passage speaks to the disorienting nature of such high-pressure situations, where memories become hazy and difficult to recall once the dust has settled. Steinbeck captures the sense of detachment that can come from being caught up in the throes of intense experiences, where external perspectives may be needed to piece together what truly occurred.
John Steinbeck on the Blurring of Reality
"In marching, in mobs, in football games, and in war, outlines become vague; real things become unreal and a fog creeps over the mind. Tension and excitement, weariness, movement--all merge in one great gray dream, so that when it is over, it is hard to remember how it was when you killed men or ordered them to be killed. Then other people who were not there tell you what it was like and you say vaguely, "yes, I guess that's how it was.” - John Steinbeck
Reflection Questions:
John Steinbeck, in his quote, explores the psychological impact of being part of tense and overwhelming situations where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The following reflection questions can help individuals delve deeper into their own experiences and understanding of this phenomenon.
Have you ever been in a situation where reality seemed to blur and become unreal, such as being in a crowd or participating in a high-energy event?
How did you feel during and after the experience? Did the tension and excitement affect your perception of what was happening around you?
Have you ever been in a situation where you had to make difficult decisions or saw others making them under similar circumstances? How did it affect your emotions and thought processes?
How do you think the merging of tension, excitement, weariness, and movement can contribute to a "great gray dream" as Steinbeck describes it?
Can you relate to the idea of struggling to remember the details of a stressful or intense situation once it is over? How do you think this phenomenon impacts our ability to process and learn from such experiences?
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