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The merrel also knew its wing had not healed. But I could…

“The merrel also knew its wing had not healed. But I could reach a great height once more before it failed me, it said. And from there I would fold my wings and plummet to the earth as if a hare or a fawn had caught my eye; but it would be myself I stooped toward. It would be a good flight and a…” quote by Robin McKinley
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““The merrel also knew its wing had not healed. But I could reach a great height once more before it failed me, it said. And from there I would fold my wings and plummet to the earth as if a hare or a fawn had caught my eye; but it would be myself I stooped toward. It would be a good flight and a good death. And so I eat their dead things cut up on a pole, dreaming of my last flight. ””

Robin McKinley

About This Quote

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

A wounded bird reflects on its final flight, embracing death as a meaningful end.

In simple terms: A injured bird accepts death as a final, purposeful flight.

Key Takeaway

Embrace endings with purpose.

Themes

mortality acceptance transformation

Mood

melancholic thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • literature
  • mythic storytelling
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

symbolism self‑sacrifice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does confronting mortality change you?
  • What does “good death” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may romanticize suffering.

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