Darkness Quote by August Derleth
““There was something about him where he stood all by himself under the trees and the stars, on the edge of the streetlight’s glow in the darkness, that was symbolic of many men and women, not alone in this Sac Prairie, but in all the Sac Prairies of the world, something which spoke, out of that pathetic, ludicrous figure, of the spiritual isolation of so many people, something which made the thoughtful onlooker to wonder what thin line divided him from that other, knowing perhaps that the distance of chance or Providence was less great than the few steps separating one from the other in that darkness.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Sac Prairie” by August Derleth, 1932
A solitary figure under night sky symbolizes universal spiritual isolation, highlighting how thin the divide is between individuals despite perceived distance.
In simple terms: Loneliness under stars reflects shared human isolation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize common humanity in solitude.
Themes
loneliness
spirituality
connection
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- night walks
- meditation
- grief counseling
Key Concepts
existentialism
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing shared isolation change your view?
- What steps bridge the gap between you and others?
A Different Perspective
Isolation can be misinterpreted as permanent separation.
