“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.”
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."
Similar quotes
“All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy. I had to fight my brothers. I had to fight my cousins and my uncles. A girl child ain't safe in a family of men. But I never thought I'd have to fight in my own house. She let out her breath. I loves Harpo, she say. God knows I do. But I'll kill him dead before I let him beat me.”
“For the sake of my country, and perhaps a little for the sake of my soul, I have given up the deep peace of being in opposition.”
“All right, then, I'll go to hell' -and tore it up.It was awful thoughts, and awful words, but they was said. And I let them stay said; and never thought no more about reforming. I shoved the whole thing out of my head; and I said I would take up wickedness again, which was in my line, being brung up to it, and the other warn't. And for a starter, I would go to work and steal Jim out of slavery again; and if I could think up anything worse, I would do that, too; because as long as I was in, and in for good, I might as well go the whole hog.”
“I got words in me, Jess, fighting to find a way out. Sometimes there's so many words and they get so crowded in my skull I think my head is gonna explode. I want to write them down. I've tried, but most of the time my thoughts and my feelings are bigger than what I can get on paper.”
“She say, All my life I had to fight. I had to fight my daddy, I had to fight my brothers. I had to fight my cousins and my uncles. A girl child ain't safe in a family of men. But I never thought I'd have to fight in my own house. She let out her breath. I loves Harpo, she say. God knows I do. But I'll kill him dead before I let him beat me. Now if you want a dead son-in-law you just keep on advising him like you doing. She put her hand on her hip. I used to hunt game with a bow and arrow, she say.”