This quote by Marquerite Yourcenar suggests that over time, an individual's facades or "masks" become ingrained into their personality and become a core part of their identity. This can be interpreted in various ways – either positively, as individuals evolve and adapt to their circumstances, or negatively, as individuals lose touch with their true selves. The quote emphasizes the idea that our external appearances or behaviors can eventually shape who we are at our core.
In a world where social media allows individuals to curate their online personas and present only the best versions of themselves, the idea of masks taking over the true identity holds immense relevance. Marquerite Yourcenar's quote reminds us that the façade we present to the world can eventually become our reality. This concept sheds light on the importance of authenticity and self-reflection in a society that often prioritizes image over substance. Let us delve deeper into the modern implications of this profound statement.
"The mask, given time, comes to be the face itself" - Marquerite Yourcenar
This quote by Marquerite Yourcenar highlights the idea that over time, one's true self can become intertwined with the facade they present to the world.
Contemplating on the quote by Marquerite Yourcenar, "The mask, given time, comes to be the face itself," prompts us to think deeply about the masks we wear in our daily lives. Here are some reflection questions to help you explore this idea further:
“I like the masks; because the real face of the mask is again itself!”
“It was a dance of masks and every mask was perfect because every mask was a real face and every face was areal mask so there was no mask and there was no face for there was but one dance in which there was butone mask but one true face which was the same and which was a thing without a name which changed andchanged into itself over and over.”
“But sometimes when you wore a mask for a very long time, it became your face.”
“Seven times have I despised my soul: The sixth time when she despised the ugliness of a face, and knew not that it was one of her own masks.”
“Celebrity is a mask that eats into the face.”