What had spoken to her in that scoured-out cavity of the…
““What had spoken to her in that scoured-out cavity of the granite? What dwelt in the first of the caves? Something very old and very small. Before time, it was before space also. Something snub-nosed, incapable of generosity -- the undying worm itself. Since hearing its voice, she had not entertained one large thought, she was actually envious of Adela. All this fuss over a frightened girl! Nothing had happened, 'and if it had,' she found herself thinking with the cynicism of a withered priestess, 'if it had there are worse evils than love.' The unspeakable attempt presented itself to her as love: in a cave, in a church -- Boum, it amounts to the same. Visions are supposed to entail profundity, but -- Wait till you get one, dear reader! The abyss also may be petty, the serpent of eternity made of maggots; her constant thought was: 'Less attention should be paid to my future daughter-in-law and more to me, there is no sorrow like my sorrow,' although when the attention was paid she rejected it irritably.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator reflects on an ancient, indifferent force that makes personal concerns seem trivial, comparing love to a petty abyss.
In simple terms: An old, small, indifferent force makes love feel petty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the fleeting nature of personal anxieties.
Themes
existentialism
love
illusion
humanity
perception
Mood
melancholic
reflective
ironic
Type
literary
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- grief
- romantic disappointment
- artistic creation
- philosophical contemplation
Key Concepts
nihilism
cosmic indifference
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing cosmic insignificance affect personal relationships?
- Can love be both profound and petty?
A Different Perspective
The comparison may oversimplify love’s complexity and emotional depth.