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Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards…

“Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve; For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad. —CHRISTINA ROSSETTI, “Remember,” 1849.” quote by Margaret Atwood
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““Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve; For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad. —CHRISTINA ROSSETTI, “Remember,” 1849.””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

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

Forgetting can bring peace, whereas remembering may cause sorrow.

In simple terms: Forget to find peace, remember may cause sadness.

Key Takeaway

Choose remembrance wisely.

Themes

memory grief acceptance

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • bereavement
  • personal reflection
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

impermanence emotional resilience legacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does forgetting heal?
  • When does remembering serve growth?
A Different Perspective

Forgetting may lead to loss of valuable lessons.

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