“This is not our fight', the old man said. 'British or American, that is not the choice. You must choose your own side, find your road through the valley of darkness that will lead you to the river Jordan. . . Look hard for your river Jordan, my child. You'll find it.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Laurie Halse Anderson, the old man is advising someone that their allegiance should not be dictated by external forces like nationality. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of choosing one's own path and finding their own purpose, symbolized by the metaphor of finding their "river Jordan". This advice encourages self-discovery and individual choice in navigating through difficult situations.
Finding one's own path in times of conflict
In Laurie Halse Anderson's quote, the old man advises the protagonist to not simply follow others blindly but to find their own path and make their own decisions. This message of self-discovery and individual agency has modern relevance in a world where people are often influenced by external forces and group mentalities. It serves as a reminder for individuals to think critically, make their own choices, and navigate through challenging circumstances by following their own moral compass.
Finding Your Own Path
“This is not our fight', the old man said. 'British or American, that is not the choice. You must choose your own side, find your road through the valley of darkness that will lead you to the river Jordan. . . Look hard for your river Jordan, my child. You'll find it.” - Laurie Halse Anderson
Reflection Questions
In this thought-provoking quote from Laurie Halse Anderson's work, we are reminded of the importance of finding our own path and making decisions based on our personal values and beliefs rather than succumbing to external pressures. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
- What does the phrase "valley of darkness" symbolize to you in your own life?
- How do you determine what is worth fighting for in your own journey?
- Have you ever faced a situation where you had to choose between conflicting loyalties, like the British or American characters in the quote? How did you navigate that decision-making process?
- What do you think the river Jordan represents in the context of this quote? How does this symbol relate to finding your own path?
- How can you apply the advice of "look hard for your river Jordan" in your own decision-making and self-discovery?
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