Skip to content

I had a house in Haiti, in the hills above the North…

“I had a house in Haiti, in the hills above the North Atlantic coast. The house appeared as if out of a dream: my dream to have a foothold in the country. Like many concepts do in Haiti, the phrase 'pied a terre' became literal, material.” quote by Madison Smartt Bell
Download Open image
“I had a house in Haiti, in the hills above the North Atlantic coast. The house appeared as if out of a dream: my dream to have a foothold in the country. Like many concepts do in Haiti, the phrase 'pied a terre' became literal, material.”

Madison Smartt Bell

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 describes a dreamlike house in Haiti, symbolizing a personal foothold and literalizing 'pied a terre'.

In simple terms: A dream house in Haiti becomes a real foothold.

Key Takeaway

Seek tangible foundations for aspirations.

Themes

dreams place identity realization

Mood

hopeful reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • building a home
  • establishing roots
  • cultural immersion

Key Concepts

personal ambition colonial legacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does a 'pied a terre' represent for you?
  • How do dreams shape your sense of belonging?
A Different Perspective

Dreams may clash with harsh realities.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Madison Smartt Bell

Explore all 26 Madison Smartt Bell quotes

More Above quotes

Browse all 387 Above quotes