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...in the old days, silvery bells would often sound just…

“...in the old days, silvery bells would often sound just as some Englishman or Englishwoman of particular virtue or beauty was about to be stolen away by fairies to live in strange, ghostly lands for ever.” quote by Susanna Clarke
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““...in the old days, silvery bells would often sound just as some Englishman or Englishwoman of particular virtue or beauty was about to be stolen away by fairies to live in strange, ghostly lands for ever.””

Susanna Clarke

About This Quote

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

Old folklore imagined fairies stealing virtuous people to ghostly realms.

In simple terms: Fairies abduct virtuous individuals to otherworldly places.

Key Takeaway

Consider the allure of mythic escapism.

Themes

myth fairy tale virtue abduction imagination

Mood

mysterious nostalgic

Type

literary fantasy

When to use this quote

  • storytelling
  • creative writing
  • fantasy gaming
  • theatrical performance
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

folklore escapism cultural narrative

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the fairy's choice reveal about cultural values?
  • How does myth shape our perception of virtue?
A Different Perspective

Modern readers may find such motifs outdated or obscure.

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