If there were a way of putting an end to himself by some…
““If there were a way of putting an end to himself by some purely mental act he would put an end to himself at once, without further ado. His mind is full of stories of people who bring about their end - who methodically pay bills, write goodbye notes, burn old love letters, label keys, and then, once everything is in order, don their Sunday best and swallow down pills they have hoarded for the occasion and settle themselves on their neatly made beds and compose features for oblivion. Heroes all of them, unsung, unlauded. I am resolved not to be of any trouble.””
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 contemplates suicide as a rational, orderly act, viewing it as a final, composed narrative.
In simple terms: Suicide seen as a controlled ending.
Key Takeaway
Seek help before final decisions.
Themes
mortality
mental health
control
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- crisis intervention
- therapy
- support groups
Key Concepts
Existentialism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist to ending pain?
- How does narrative shape our view of death?
A Different Perspective
Rationalizing suicide ignores emotional complexity.