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There, below the cliffs, is a bay of sand where the rocks…

“There, below the cliffs, is a bay of sand where the rocks stand up like the fangs of wolves, and no boat or swimmer can live when the tide is breaking round them. To right and left of the bay the sea has driven arches through the cliff. The rocks are purple and rose-coloured and pale as turquoise…” quote by Mary Stewart
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““There, below the cliffs, is a bay of sand where the rocks stand up like the fangs of wolves, and no boat or swimmer can live when the tide is breaking round them. To right and left of the bay the sea has driven arches through the cliff. The rocks are purple and rose-coloured and pale as turquoise in the sun, and on a summer’s evening when the tide is low and the sun is sinking, men see on the horizon land that comes and goes with the light. It is the Summer Isle, which (they say) floats and sinks at the will of heaven, the Island of Glass through which the clouds and stars can be seen, but which for those who dwell there is full of trees and grass and springs of sweet water . . .’ The””

Mary Stewart

About This Quote

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

A vivid description of a mystical, perilous island where natural beauty and danger coexist, reflecting humanity's awe of the unknown.

In simple terms: A dangerous, beautiful island is described.

Key Takeaway

Recognize both wonder and risk in unknown places.

Themes

nature myth danger beauty exploration

Mood

wonderful foreboding

Type

descriptive poetic

When to use this quote

  • travel writing
  • creative writing
  • fantasy worldbuilding

Key Concepts

mythical geography symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the island symbolize for you?
  • How do you balance awe with caution?
A Different Perspective

The description may romanticize hazards, overlooking practical safety.

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