Can it be, thought I, that my sole mission on earth is to…
““Can it be, thought I, that my sole mission on earth is to destroy the hopes of others? Ever since I began to live and act, fate has somehow associated me with the last act of other people's tragedies, as if without me no one could either die or give way to despair! I have been the inevitable character who comes in at the final act, involuntarily playing the detestable role of the hangman or the traitor. What has been fate's object in all this? Has it destined me to be the author of middle-class tragedies and family romances--or a purveyor of tales for, say, the Reader's Library? Who knows? Are there not many who begin life by aspiring to end it like Alexander the Great, or Lord Byron, and yet remain petty civil servants all their lives?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He feels destined to cause others’ tragedies, questioning fate’s purpose and his role as a destructive figure, comparing himself to historical tragic heroes.
In simple terms: He wonders if fate makes him cause others’ suffering.
Key Takeaway
Question your role, seek purpose beyond fate.
Themes
destiny
guilt
identity
tragic heroism
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- career choices
- personal growth
- ethical decisions
Key Concepts
determinism
existentialism
literary tragedy
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel compelled to fulfill a tragic role?
- How can you reshape your narrative?
A Different Perspective
He may over‑identify with tragedy, limiting agency.