“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'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?
Similar quotes
“Oh! would that we were lying side by side in the same grave, hand in hand, and from time to time, in the darkness, gently caressing a finger -- that would suffice for my eternity!”
“Lucas should've run out of there that instant. Instead he stared at me through the glass and slowly unfolded his hand opposite mine so that our hands were pressed againts the pane of glass, fingers to fingers, palm to palm. We each move closer, so that our faces were only inches apart. Even with the stained glass, window between us, it felt as intimate as any kiss we'd shared.”
“I leaned back in my chair, my fingers laced behind my head, and wondered at the complexities and contradictions that must have existed in the earth's original clay when God first scooped it up in His palms.”
“We don't fit in, you and me," he said. "We're both oddities no one knows what to do with. But we fit together." He took her hand, pressed her palm to his, then laced their fingers through each other's. "We fit.”
“I looked at other couples and wondered how they could be so calm about it. They held hands as if they weren't even holding hands. When Steve and I held hands, I had to keep looking down to marvel at it. There was my hand, the same hand I've always had - oh, but look! What is it holding? It's holding Steve's hand! Who is Steve? My three-dimensional boyfriend. Each day I wondered what would happen next. What happens when you stop wanting, when you are happy. I supposed I would go on being happy forever. I knew I would not mess things up by growing bored. I had done that once before.”