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Bitterness Quote by Ahdaf Soueif

“Egypt.mother of civilization, dreaming herself through the centuries. Dreaming us all, her children: those who stay and work for her and complain of her, and those who leave and yearn for her and blame her with bitterness for driving them away.” quote by Ahdaf Soueif
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“Egypt.mother of civilization, dreaming herself through the centuries. Dreaming us all, her children: those who stay and work for her and complain of her, and those who leave and yearn for her and blame her with bitterness for driving them away.”

Ahdaf Soueif

About This Quote

Source Essay: Egypt: Mother of Civilization, by Ahdaf Soueif, 1995

The passage portrays Egypt as a timeless mother figure, both nurturing and burdensome, evoking love, resentment, and longing among its people.

In simple terms: Egypt is seen as a caring yet demanding mother.

Key Takeaway

Recognize both gratitude and critique toward heritage.

Themes

heritage identity home diaspora nostalgia

Mood

reflective poignant

Type

cultural philosophical

When to use this quote

  • expatriates feeling homesickness
  • locals working for the nation
  • tourists experiencing cultural weight

Key Concepts

maternal symbolism nationalism dual sentiment

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your relationship with your homeland shape your identity?
  • What responsibilities arise from feeling both love and resentment?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex socio-political realities.

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