Anne-roiphe Quote by Anne Roiphe
““Silence in the shell of a city, no baby crying, no car honking, no ambulance shrieking, no lovers moaning, no drunks throwing up in the alley, no lights, nothing but wind and rain and snow in its season and rust and a rattling of open doors and carcass smell. It was a possibility like a brain tumor or a scorpion bite.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The City” (fiction), publication date unknown
A vivid, bleak description of an empty city, evoking silence and decay, likening it to disease.
In simple terms: The city feels lifeless and unsettling.
Key Takeaway
Notice how emptiness can feel oppressive.
Themes
urban decay
loneliness
desolation
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- environmental storytelling
- psychological mood setting
Key Concepts
Atmospheric description
metaphor
urban alienation
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions does this silence provoke?
- How does the metaphor enhance the scene?
A Different Perspective
The imagery may overwhelm some readers.
