Skip to content

Peace Quote by Charles Dickens

“As the elms bent to one another, like giants who were whispering secrets, and after a few seconds of such repose fell into a violent flurry, tossing their wild arms about, as if their late confidences were really too wicked for their peace of mind, some weather-beaten, ragged old rooks’ nests…” quote by Charles Dickens
Download Open image
““As the elms bent to one another, like giants who were whispering secrets, and after a few seconds of such repose fell into a violent flurry, tossing their wild arms about, as if their late confidences were really too wicked for their peace of mind, some weather-beaten, ragged old rooks’ nests, burdening their higher branches, swung like wrecks upon a stormy sea.””

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Novel: Great Expectations, 1861

A vivid metaphor describes elms and rooks in a storm, illustrating how calm can quickly turn violent, reflecting inner turmoil and external chaos.

In simple terms: Nature mirrors sudden emotional upheaval.

Key Takeaway

Recognize that peace can be fragile and prepare for sudden change.

Themes

nature chaos emotion

Mood

dramatic poetic

Type

literary descriptive

When to use this quote

  • gardening
  • weather observation
  • emotional coping
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

metaphor storm imagery

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle sudden disruptions?
  • What does the storm symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective

The comparison may exaggerate natural behavior.

3.7 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Charles Dickens

Explore all 2,309 Charles Dickens quotes

More Peace quotes

Browse all 27,655 Peace quotes