“Lord, how unutterably disgusting life is! What dirty tricks it plays us, one moment free; the next, this. Here we are among the breadcrumbs and the stained napkins again. That knife is already congealing with grease. Disorder, sordidity and corruption surrounds us. We have been taking into our mouths the bodies of dead birds. It is with these greasy crumbs, slobbering over napkins, and little corpses that we have to build. Always it begins again; always there is the enemy; eyes meeting ours; fingers twitching ours; the effort waiting. Call the waiter. Pay the bill. We must pull ourselves up out of the chairs. We must find our coats. We must go. Must, must, must — detestable word. Once more, I who had thought myself immune, who had said, "Now I am rid of all that", find that the wave has tumbled me over, head over heels, scattering my possessions, leaving me to collect, to assemble, to head together, to summon my forces, rise and confront the enemy.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Virginia Woolf, the speaker expresses a profound sense of disillusionment and disgust with the mundane aspects of life. The use of vivid and visceral imagery, such as "stained napkins," "greasy crumbs," and "little corpses," highlights the speaker's revulsion towards the everyday tasks and behaviors that are part of human existence. The repetition of the word "must" emphasizes the feeling of obligation and burdensome duty that the speaker feels trapped by. Overall, the quote conveys a sense of weariness and resignation in the face of life's constant cycles and demands. Woolf captures the struggle to confront these challenges, even when feeling overwhelmed and defeated.
Modern Relevance
In this powerful passage from Virginia Woolf's work, the struggle with the mundane and oppressive aspects of daily life is vividly portrayed. The feelings of disgust, inevitability, and the constant battle against external forces are all too familiar in today's world. From the pressures of work to the challenges of personal relationships, the sentiment of being overwhelmed and constantly fighting against the tide remains relevant in our modern society. Woolf's portrayal of the internal struggle to rise above these challenges serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength required to navigate the complexities of life.
Reflection on the harsh realities of life through the lens of Virginia Woolf
"Lord, how unutterably disgusting life is! What dirty tricks it plays us, one moment free; the next, this. Here we are among the breadcrumbs and the stained napkins again. That knife is already congealing with grease. Disorder, sordidity and corruption surrounds us."
Reflection Questions:
In this passage, Virginia Woolf grapples with the mundane and sometimes repulsive aspects of life. Reflect on the following questions:
How do you personally relate to Woolf's description of the "disgusting" aspects of life?
Have you ever felt overwhelmed and weighed down by the everyday tasks and responsibilities that seem insignificant or unpleasant?
Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by the trivialities of life. How did you cope with that feeling of being weighed down?
Consider the idea of confronting the "enemy" that Woolf speaks of. What do you see as the obstacles or challenges that you must face in order to rise above and move forward?
How can you find meaning or purpose in the midst of life's chaos and disarray, as described by Woolf in this passage?
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