Skip to content

He crossed the wide breadth of beach, hearing their voices…

“He crossed the wide breadth of beach, hearing their voices coming to him on the wind before he saw them at the shoreline. The two boys were stamping at the creamy edges of the waves—making small explosions of water and wet sand—his daughter down on her haunches, examining something, a mussel or a…” quote by Alice McDermott
Download Open image
““He crossed the wide breadth of beach, hearing their voices coming to him on the wind before he saw them at the shoreline. The two boys were stamping at the creamy edges of the waves—making small explosions of water and wet sand—his daughter down on her haunches, examining something, a mussel or a crab or just the mysterious, bubbling holes that opened and closed like mouths under the retreating waves.””

Alice McDermott

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A mother watches her children play by the sea, observing their innocent curiosity amid the looming mystery of the ocean.

In simple terms: Children explore the beach, unaware of deeper mysteries.

Key Takeaway

Cherish simple moments of wonder.

Themes

family nature childhood wonder

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

literary descriptive

When to use this quote

  • beach outings
  • family bonding
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

nostalgia observation sensory detail

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the sea symbolize for the family?
  • How does innocence contrast with hidden danger?
A Different Perspective

The scene may overlook broader social issues.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Alice McDermott

Explore all 194 Alice McDermott quotes

More Children quotes

Browse all 62,396 Children quotes