“They held hands and knew that only the coffin would lie in the earth; the bubbly laughter and the press of fingers in the palm would stay aboveground forever. At first, as they stood there, their hands were clenched together. They relaxed slowly until during the walk back home their fingers were laced in as gentle a clasp as that of any two young girlfriends trotting up the road on a summer day wondering what happened to butterflies in the winter.”
Explore This Quote Further
Toni Morrison's Beautiful Prose
“They held hands and knew that only the coffin would lie in the earth; the bubbly laughter and the press of fingers in the palm would stay aboveground forever. At first, as they stood there, their hands were clenched together. They relaxed slowly until during the walk back home their fingers were laced in as gentle a clasp as that of any two young girlfriends trotting up the road on a summer day wondering what happened to butterflies in the winter.” - Toni Morrison
Quote Analysis
In this poignant quote from Toni Morrison's novel, the imagery of two people holding hands at a funeral evokes a sense of love and connection that transcends even death. The reference to young girlfriends and butterflies adds a poignant and bittersweet layer to the scene.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Toni Morrison's novel Sula, the act of holding hands symbolizes a deep connection and bond between two individuals. This imagery of intimate hand-holding transcends time and resonates with contemporary ideas of love, friendship, and the impermanence of life.
The image of hands clasped together, providing comfort and reassurance in the face of loss, serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human connection in a world that is constantly changing. Just like the characters in the novel, modern-day individuals can find solace and strength in the simple act of holding hands with a loved one, knowing that their bond will remain steadfast even in the face of life's uncertainties.
Reflection Questions:
In this poignant passage by Toni Morrison, the imagery of hand-holding and the fleeting nature of life are powerfully portrayed. Consider the following reflection questions:
- How does the metaphor of hand-holding symbolize the connection between two individuals in this passage?
- What do you think Morrison is trying to convey about the impermanence of life and the enduring nature of human relationships through this scene?
- How does the comparison between the two individuals holding hands and young girlfriends laced in a gentle clasp evoke a sense of nostalgia and innocence?
- How does the setting of a funeral contribute to the emotions and themes explored in this passage?
- How does the imagery of butterflies in the winter add depth and meaning to the overall message of the passage?
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