Anxiety Quote by Bobbie Ann Mason
““Mary Lou suddenly realizes that Mack calls the temperature number because he is afraid to talk on the telephone, and by listening to a recording, he doesn’t have to reply. It’s his way of pretending that he’s involved. He wants it to snow so he won’t have to go outside. He is afraid of what might happen. But it occurs to her that what he must really be afraid of is women. Then Mary Lou feels so sick and heavy with her power over him that she wants to cry. She sees the way her husband is standing there in a frozen pose. Mack looks as though he could stand there all night with the telephone receiver against his ear.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Snowman” in Collection: Shiloh and Other Stories, 1982
Mack avoids confronting fear by hiding behind technology, revealing deeper anxieties about intimacy and gender dynamics.
In simple terms: Avoiding fear leads to hidden anxieties.
Key Takeaway
Recognize avoidance patterns to address underlying fears.
Themes
fear
gender
communication
Mood
introspective
melancholic
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- creative writing
- therapeutic reflection
Key Concepts
psychological avoidance
power dynamics
emotional repression
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears are masked by routine?
- How does gender influence emotional expression?
A Different Perspective
Avoidance may deepen isolation rather than protect.
![“As Atwood concludes after a random and informal sampling, men and women differ markedly in the 'scope of their threatenability': 'Why do men feel threatened by woman?' I asked a male friend of mine…'[M]en are bigger, most of the time...and they have on the average a lot more money and power.'…” quote by Shuli Barzilai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/264/shuli-barzilai-69640_gender_as-atwood-concludes-after-a-random-and-i_938427.jpg)
![“I don’t know, it is a very quiet rebellion. […] I don’t get angry. I sit quietly in the corner and say 'no'.” quote by Bobbie Ann Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cab/bobbie-ann-mason-48018_angry_i-don-t-know-it-is-a-very-quiet-rebellio_1296007.jpg)
