Skip to content

Aunt Quote by Bruce Chatwin

“Sometimes, I overheard my aunts discussing these blighted destinies; and Aunt Ruth would hug me, as if to forestall my following in their footsteps. Yet, from the way she lingered over such words as 'Xanadu' or 'Samarkand' or the 'wine-dark sea,' I think she also felt the trouble of the 'wanderer…” quote by Bruce Chatwin
Download Open image
““Sometimes, I overheard my aunts discussing these blighted destinies; and Aunt Ruth would hug me, as if to forestall my following in their footsteps. Yet, from the way she lingered over such words as 'Xanadu' or 'Samarkand' or the 'wine-dark sea,' I think she also felt the trouble of the 'wanderer in her soul.””

Bruce Chatwin

About This Quote

Source Book: In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin, 1977

The aunt’s stories of exotic places both inspire and warn, reflecting a restless yearning within her.

In simple terms: Stories of distant lands reveal inner longing.

Key Takeaway

Listen to how tales reveal hidden desires.

Themes

longing family storytelling wanderlust

Mood

nostalgic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • travel planning
  • creative writing
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

cultural memory psychic yearning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do family narratives shape our dreams?
  • Can we break free from inherited caution?
A Different Perspective

The aunt’s warnings may limit the narrator’s own aspirations.

2.8 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Bruce Chatwin

Explore all 53 Bruce Chatwin quotes

More Aunt quotes

Browse all 720 Aunt quotes