“Come on, girl. Don't cry," whispered Frank. "Why not? I can be miserable if I want to. You don't need to try and make it go away. It shouldn't go away. It's just as sad as it ought to be and I'm not going to hide from what's true just because it hurts." Cee wasn't sobbing anymore, but the tears were still running down her cheeks.”

Quote Analysis

In this poignant quote from Toni Morrison's novel, "Frank is attempting to comfort Cee, who is visibly upset. Instead of telling her not to cry or trying to make her feel better, Frank encourages Cee to fully embrace her emotions. This quote alludes to the idea that it is important to acknowledge and accept our feelings, even if they are painful. Morrison's words convey the message that it is okay to feel sad or hurt, and that we should not shy away from our emotions. Cee's tears continue to flow, but there is a sense of catharsis in her acceptance of her own sadness.

Modern Relevance

In this quote from Toni Morrison's novel, "Home," the characters Frank and Cee demonstrate the importance of acknowledging and embracing one's emotions, even when they are painful. This sentiment remains relevant today as society increasingly emphasizes the importance of mental health and the need to address and process feelings of sadness or despair. The characters' willingness to confront their emotions serves as a reminder that it is okay to feel and express our emotions, rather than trying to suppress or ignore them. This lesson is still valuable in today's world where there is pressure to constantly appear happy and put together, despite the challenges and struggles we may face.

Example of Usage

"“Come on, girl. Don't cry," whispered Frank. "Why not? I can be miserable if I want to. You don't need to try and make it go away. It shouldn't go away. It's just as sad as it ought to be and I'm not going to hide from what's true just because it hurts." Cee wasn't sobbing anymore, but the tears were still running down her cheeks.” - Toni Morrison"

Reflection Questions

In this powerful quote from Toni Morrison's work, the characters Frank and Cee confront the idea of allowing oneself to experience and express sadness without trying to suppress it. This raises important questions about grief, emotions, and personal authenticity. Reflect on the following questions:

1. Why do you think Frank is encouraging Cee not to hide or suppress her sadness?
2. How do you think Cee's willingness to feel her emotions fully affects her overall well-being and emotional growth?
3. Have you ever experienced a similar moment where you felt the need to embrace and express your sadness rather than hide it? How did that experience impact you?
4. How do you think society's expectations around emotions and vulnerability influence our ability to authentically express our feelings?