“A broken heart is such a shabby thing, like poverty and failure and the incurable diseases which are also deforming. I hate it and am ashamed of it, and I must somehow repair this heart and put it back into its normal condition, as a tough somewhat scarred but operating organ.”
Martha Gellhorn on Healing a Broken Heart
"A broken heart is such a shabby thing, like poverty and failure and the incurable diseases which are also deforming. I hate it and am ashamed of it, and I must somehow repair this heart and put it back into its normal condition, as a tough somewhat scarred but operating organ." - Martha Gellhorn
Analysis of Quote by Martha Gellhorn
In this quote, Martha Gellhorn compares a broken heart to other struggles in life such as poverty, failure, and incurable diseases. She expresses a sense of shame and a strong desire to repair her heart, likening it to fixing a physical organ that has been damaged but is still capable of functioning. This reflects a deep emotional resonance with the pain of heartbreak and a determination to overcome it. Gellhorn's words highlight the resilience and strength required to heal from emotional wounds.
The Everlasting Struggle of Heartbreak
In this quote by Martha Gellhorn, the idea of a broken heart is compared to other forms of pain and suffering, such as poverty, failure, and disease. Gellhorn expresses a strong disdain for the state of having a broken heart, seeing it as something to be fixed and restored to its original function. This sentiment resonates in modern times, as heartbreak continues to be a universal experience that many struggle to overcome. The desire to repair and heal from emotional wounds is a common theme in the human experience, highlighting the enduring relevance of Gellhorn's words.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by Martha Gellhorn, she compares a broken heart to other challenges in life like poverty and failure. Reflect on the following questions considering this comparison:
- What do you think Gellhorn means by describing a broken heart as "shabby" and "like poverty and failure"?
- How do you personally feel about the idea of repairing a broken heart and restoring it to its normal condition?
- Do you believe that experiencing heartbreak ultimately makes a person stronger, as Gellhorn implies with the comparison to a "tough... operating organ"? Why or why not?
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