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Century Quote by Dambudzo Marechera

“THE old man died beneath the wheels of the twentieth century. There was nothing left but stains, bloodstains and fragments of flesh . . . And the same thing is happening to my generation.” quote by Dambudzo Marechera
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“THE old man died beneath the wheels of the twentieth century. There was nothing left but stains, bloodstains and fragments of flesh . . . And the same thing is happening to my generation.”

Dambudzo Marechera

About This Quote

Source Novel: The House of Hunger by Dambudzo Marechera, 1978

The quote portrays a bleak view of modernity crushing the older generation, leaving only violent remnants, and suggests the same decay afflicts the speaker’s peers.

In simple terms: Modern life destroys the old, leaving only blood and fragments.

Key Takeaway

Recognize societal decay and seek renewal.

Themes

decay generational conflict modernity violence

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

  • urbanization
  • industrialization
  • family dynamics
  • political upheaval

Key Concepts

existentialism nihilism social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does modern progress affect older generations?
  • What can be done to preserve humanity?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may overgeneralize suffering.

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