“I thought it would be a good thing to follow John Redmond’s words. I thought for my mother’s sake, her gentle soul, for the sake of my own children, I might go out and fight for to save Europe so that we might have the Home Rule in Ireland in the upshot. I came out to fight for a country that doesn’t exist, and now, Willie, mark my words, it never will.”
Explore This Quote Further
Reflection Questions:
In this quote by Sebastian Barry, we see the character questioning his initial motivations for going to war. Here are some reflection questions to consider:
- Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your reasons for doing something changed over time?
- How do our personal motivations and beliefs impact the decisions we make?
- What do you think the character means by saying he came out to fight for a country that doesn't exist?
- How might this quote relate to larger themes of disillusionment or idealism in times of war?
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Sebastian Barry's novel, a character reflects on his initial motivation for going to war and the disillusionment he feels as a result. The character, who originally believed in fighting for a cause to create a better future for his family and his country, now realizes that the ideals he fought for were unattainable. This reflection speaks to the larger theme of shattered dreams and the harsh realities of war.
Modern Relevance
In this quote from Sebastian Barry, a character reflects on how he went out to fight for a cause that ultimately did not come to fruition. This sentiment can be seen as relevant in today's world, where individuals may be motivated to fight for ideologies or goals that may never be realized. This quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of pursuing a cause, and how it may not always lead to the desired outcome.
Context
In this quote from Sebastian Barry's work, a character reflects on his initial motivations for joining the war and expresses disillusionment with the outcome.
Example of Usage
The character in Sebastian Barry's novel poignantly reflects, "I thought it would be a good thing to follow John Redmond’s words. I thought for my mother’s sake, her gentle soul, for the sake of my own children, I might go out and fight for to save Europe so that we might have the Home Rule in Ireland in the upshot. I came out to fight for a country that doesn’t exist, and now, Willie, mark my words, it never will."
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