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A cloud began to cover the sun slowly, wholly, shadowing…

“A cloud began to cover the sun slowly, wholly, shadowing the bay in deeper green. It lay beneath him, a bowl of bitter waters. Fergus' song : I sang it alone in the house, holding down the long dark chords. her door was open : she wanted to hear my music. silent with aw and pity i went to her…” quote by James Joyce
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““A cloud began to cover the sun slowly, wholly, shadowing the bay in deeper green. It lay beneath him, a bowl of bitter waters. Fergus' song : I sang it alone in the house, holding down the long dark chords. her door was open : she wanted to hear my music. silent with aw and pity i went to her bedside. she was crying in her wretched bed for these words, Stephen : love's bitter mystery.””

James Joyce

About This Quote

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

The passage describes a mood of melancholy and longing, using natural imagery to mirror inner emotional turbulence and unrequited love.

In simple terms: Sadness and yearning expressed through nature and music.

Key Takeaway

Embrace vulnerability and seek honest expression.

Themes

loneliness love art melancholy

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • late-night reflection
  • writing
  • comforting a grieving friend
  • listening to music

Key Concepts

existential yearning artistic creation unrequited love

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does nature reflect inner feeling?
  • What role does music play in coping with sorrow?
A Different Perspective

The poetic language may obscure the concrete situation for some readers.

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