The reason they want to see me is that I am a celebrated…
““The reason they want to see me is that I am a celebrated murderess. Or that is what has been written down. When I first saw it I was surprised, because they say Celebrated Singer and Celebrated Poetess and Celebrated Spiritualist and Celebrated Actress, but what is there to celebrate about murder? All the same, Murderess is a strong word to have attached to you. It has a smell to it, that word—musky and oppressive, like dead flowers in a vase. Sometimes at night I whisper it over to myself: Murderess, Murderess. It rustles, like a taffeta skirt across the floor.””
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 being labeled a "celebrated murderess," exploring the weight and darkness of such a title.
In simple terms: She grapples with a dark, celebrated label.
Key Takeaway
Question the meaning of fame.
Themes
identity
celebration
darkness
language
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public scrutiny
- self‑talk
- creative writing
- performance art
Key Concepts
celebrity
moral ambiguity
self‑perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What does "celebrated" imply?
- How does language shape self‑image?
A Different Perspective
The title may glorify violence.