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But now, when things had happened which were too appalling…

“But now, when things had happened which were too appalling to think about, when his romantic love was a corpse and his cleverness a ghost, he knew where it was he wanted to lay his head.” quote by Iris Murdoch
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““But now, when things had happened which were too appalling to think about, when his romantic love was a corpse and his cleverness a ghost, he knew where it was he wanted to lay his head.””

Iris Murdoch

About This Quote

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

After trauma, love feels dead and intellect empty, prompting a desire for escape and rest.

In simple terms: Loss leaves love dead and mind empty, seeking refuge.

Key Takeaway

Seek healing after loss.

Themes

loss love identity escape

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grief counseling
  • creative writing
  • personal crisis

Key Concepts

existentialism grief self‑discovery

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “lay his head” symbolize?
  • How can one rebuild after such loss?
A Different Perspective

Escapism may avoid confronting pain.

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