“They crashed the front door and grabbed at a woman, though she was not running, she was not trying to escape. She was only standing, weaving from side to side, her eyes fixed upon a nothingness in the wall as if they had struck her a terrible blow upon the head. Her tongue was moving in her mouth, and her eyes seemed to be trying to remember something, and then they remembered and her tongue moved again: "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451," the woman who is not trying to escape the firefighters grabs their attention with her mesmerizing behavior. She stands still, seemingly in a trance, reciting the words of historical figure Hugh Latimer as he is being burned at the stake. This quote serves as a powerful reflection on the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of danger and adversity. It highlights the courage and conviction needed to resist conformity and oppression, as well as the potential for light and hope to emerge from darkness.
Modern Relevance
In this powerful quote from Ray Bradbury's novel, a woman invokes the courage and resilience of martyr Hugh Latimer, who was burned at the stake for his beliefs during the English Reformation. This quote serves as a reminder of the strength and defiance in the face of adversity. Even in the modern world, where individuals may face oppression and injustice, the words of Master Ridley resonate, urging people to stand up for what they believe in and to never let the flames of resistance be extinguished.
Usage Example
In Ray Bradbury's novel, the character portrays a sense of strength and resilience in the face of adversity, reciting powerful words even during a terrifying moment.
Reflection Questions:
As you think about this powerful and intense scene from Ray Bradbury's writing, consider the following questions:
- What emotions does this passage evoke for you?
- How does the author use imagery and language to convey the woman's state of mind?
- What significance do you think the quoted phrase holds in this context?
- How does this scene relate to themes of resistance, bravery, and determination?
- In what ways does this passage challenge or reinforce your beliefs about standing up for your convictions or beliefs?
Similar quotes
“Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man: We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.”
“In the bedroom Sarah lay next to her son. She could hear movement in the kitchen and wondered if Doug had started preparing dinner. She longed for something sweet to eat. She had not been hungry for days, for weeks, for months, but now, with her son lying near her, she wanted the taste of sugar on her tongue. She would not move though. She didn’t know if she would ever be able to leave his side again.”
“I mustered all my strength, drew back, and swung.The sword's blade hit the side of her neck, hard and deep. She gave a horrible, sickening cry, a shriek that made my skin crawl. She tried to move toward me. I pulled back and hit again. Her hands clutched at her throat, and her knees gave way. I struck and struck, the sword digging in deeper into her neck each time. Cutting off someone's head was harder than I thought it would be. The old, dull sword probably wasn't helping.But finally, I gained enough sense to realize she wasn't moving. Her head lay there, detached from her body, her dead eyes looking up at me as though she couldn't believe what had happened. That made two of us.”
“But if it be never - if I can never hold sweet converse again with her, or look upon her face, or know from her her love; why, then, this side the grave, I will live as becomes the man whom she loves...”
“She was as soft, as sexy as he remembered. Her taste hadn’t changed, her mouth moved beneath his the same way, as if those three years had never passed. He dipped his tongue into her mouth, and hers rose to meet him, glided along his, so right, so right.”