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...I was shocked and astonished when a daring little girl…

“...I was shocked and astonished when a daring little girl -- a cousin I think -- having waited under a group of trees in the avenue, where she knew [my grandfather] would pass near four o'clock on the way to his dinner, said to him, 'If I were you and you were a little girl, I would give you a doll.” quote by William Butler Yeats
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““...I was shocked and astonished when a daring little girl -- a cousin I think -- having waited under a group of trees in the avenue, where she knew [my grandfather] would pass near four o'clock on the way to his dinner, said to him, 'If I were you and you were a little girl, I would give you a doll.””

William Butler Yeats

About This Quote

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

Highlights innocence and generosity of a child offering a doll to an adult

In simple terms: Child offers a doll with empathy

Key Takeaway

Embrace childlike generosity

Themes

generosity innocence empathy

Mood

tender thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • teaching moments

Key Concepts

Compassion Gift‑giving

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you give selflessly?
  • What does a child's view teach you?
A Different Perspective

Adult perspectives may overlook simple kindness

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