Once, a great handful of a girl out west told him - I…
![“Once, a great handful of a girl out west told him - I never did love you. […]How mean of her to salve her spit curled conscience by trying to take away their past! In the kitchen he had started to use those very words on Lou - they sprang readily to mind, as wounding words do - but he stopped…” quote by Annie Dillard](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/262/annie-dillard-509_breaking-up_once-a-great-handful-of-a-girl-out-west_2087646.jpg)
““Once, a great handful of a girl out west told him - I never did love you. […]How mean of her to salve her spit curled conscience by trying to take away their past! In the kitchen he had started to use those very words on Lou - they sprang readily to mind, as wounding words do - but he stopped himself.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character reflects on harsh words spoken, showing restraint to avoid causing pain.
In simple terms: Restraint prevents hurting others.
Key Takeaway
Choose words carefully.
Themes
communication
empathy
self-control
language
relationships
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- personal reflection
- writing
- teaching
- social interaction
Key Concepts
Moral restraint
psychology of speech
interpersonal dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you speak truth versus stay silent?
- How do words shape relationships?
A Different Perspective
Suppressing honesty can lead to unresolved tension.