Abacus Quote by Anonymous
“Naturally Shirley had known, as they slid stock words and phrases back and forth between them like beads on an abacus, that Howard must be as brimful of ecstasy as she was; but to express these feelings out loud, when the news of death was still fresh in the air, would have been tantamount to dancing naked and shrieking obscenities, and Howard and Shirley were clothed, always, in an invisible layer of decorum that they never laid aside.”
About This Quote
The passage describes two characters who hide intense emotions behind strict social decorum, especially in the face of grief.
In simple terms: They conceal deep feelings with polite behavior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when decorum blocks authentic expression.
Themes
emotions
decorum
grief
communication
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- friendship
- conflict resolution
- emotional intelligence
Key Concepts
psychology
social norms
coping mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- How does maintaining decorum affect grieving?
- When is it appropriate to reveal true feelings?
A Different Perspective
The need for decorum may prevent necessary emotional processing.
