Things Strange Quote by Betty Smith
““All she’d notice was that some things were strange because they reminded her of Brooklyn and that other things were strange because they were so different from Brooklyn. “I guess there is nothing new, then, in the world,” decided Francie unhappily. “If there is anything new or different, some part of it must be in Brooklyn and I must be used to it and wouldn’t be able to notice it if I came across it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, 1943
The narrator feels that everything feels familiar or foreign depending on her connection to Brooklyn, suggesting that novelty is tied to personal perspective.
In simple terms: Newness depends on personal ties.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how your background colors perception.
Themes
identity
perception
nostalgia
change
Mood
reflective
melancholic
nostalgic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- moving to a new city
- travel
- cultural adjustment
- meeting new people
Key Concepts
subjectivity
place attachment
memory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your hometown shape what feels new?
- Can you find novelty without referencing familiar places?
A Different Perspective
If you ignore your roots, you may miss genuine novelty.
