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The days will rally, wreathing Their crazy tarantelle; And…

“The days will rally, wreathing Their crazy tarantelle; And you must go on breathing, But I'll be safe in hell. Like January weather, The years will bite and smart, And pull your bones together To wrap your chattering heart. The pretty stuff you're made of Will crack and crease and dry. The thing…” quote by Dorothy Parker
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““The days will rally, wreathing Their crazy tarantelle; And you must go on breathing, But I'll be safe in hell. Like January weather, The years will bite and smart, And pull your bones together To wrap your chattering heart. The pretty stuff you're made of Will crack and crease and dry. The thing you are afraid of Will look from every eye. You will go faltering after The bright, imperious line, And split your throat on laughter, And burn your eyes with brine. You will be frail and musty With peering, furtive head, Whilst I am young and lusty Among the roaring dead.””

Dorothy Parker

About This Quote

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

Life is portrayed as a series of harsh, chaotic experiences that test resilience, with death and suffering looming as constant companions.

In simple terms: Life is harsh, full of struggle and inevitable decay.

Key Takeaway

Embrace resilience amid life's inevitable hardships.

Themes

mortality struggle resilience

Mood

somber intense

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief
  • war
  • personal loss
  • creative expression

Key Concepts

existentialism nihilism human condition

Questions to Reflect On

  • What sources of strength sustain you in hardship?
  • Can darkness coexist with light in your experience?
A Different Perspective

The bleak tone may overlook moments of joy and hope that also define life.

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