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This can't be real. It can't be. It's a nightmare. I'll…

“This can't be real. It can't be. It's a nightmare. I'll wake up and find it's all been a nightmare. I mustn't think of it now, or I'll begin screaming in front of all these people. I can't think of it now. I'll think later, when I can stand it - when I can't see his eyes.” quote by Margaret Mitchell
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““This can't be real. It can't be. It's a nightmare. I'll wake up and find it's all been a nightmare. I mustn't think of it now, or I'll begin screaming in front of all these people. I can't think of it now. I'll think later, when I can stand it - when I can't see his eyes.””

Margaret Mitchell

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 feels trapped in a terrifying reality, fearing exposure and choosing to postpone confronting it.

In simple terms: Fearful denial of a painful truth.

Key Takeaway

Delay confronting painful truths.

Themes

fear denial psychology trauma survival

Mood

anxious tense melancholic

Type

literary psychological dramatic

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • public speaking
  • mental health
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

cognitive avoidance emotional suppression psychological distress

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truth are you avoiding?
  • How does postponement affect your wellbeing?
A Different Perspective

Delaying may worsen anxiety and damage relationships.

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