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Children Quote by Daphne du Maurier

“He leaned over the rail and stared down into the Pool with interest. It was certainly not much of a place, the water dark and rather slimy, the steps slippery-looking too. Grandfather must be right, and it formed part of the city drain. The man who had been lame for thirty-eight years was lucky…” quote by Daphne du Maurier
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““He leaned over the rail and stared down into the Pool with interest. It was certainly not much of a place, the water dark and rather slimy, the steps slippery-looking too. Grandfather must be right, and it formed part of the city drain. The man who had been lame for thirty-eight years was lucky when Jesus came along and healed him instantly, rather than waiting for someone to lift him into the Pool. Perhaps Jesus realized the water was bad. There they go, he said to himself, as the father, ignoring the child’s terrified screams, slowly descended the steps. Freeing one hand, he dipped it in the Pool and sloshed the water three times over his daughter, wetting her face, her neck, her arms. Then, smiling in triumph at the curious watchers above, he ascended the steps to safety, his wife smiling with him, mopping the child’s face with a towel. The child herself, bewildered, distraught, rolled her frightened eyes over the heads of the crowd. Robin waited to see if the father would put her down, cured. Nothing happened, though. She began screaming again, and the father, making soothing sounds, bore her away from the top of the steps and was lost in the crowd. Robin turned to the Rev. Babcock. “No luck, I’m afraid. There””

Daphne du Maurier

About This Quote

Source Novel: Rebecca, 1938

A father attempts a desperate, improvised rescue in a filthy pool, but his efforts fail, highlighting the limits of good intentions.

In simple terms: A man tries to help his child in dirty water but cannot save her.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when help may be insufficient and seek proper aid.

Themes

desperation failure parental love illusion risk

Mood

anxious tragic hopeful

Type

narrative cautionary emotional

When to use this quote

  • family crisis
  • emergency rescue
  • crowd observation
  • faith in miracles
  • child endangerment

Key Concepts

human frailty faith miracle hope danger

Questions to Reflect On

  • What could the father have done differently?
  • When does hope become harmful?
A Different Perspective

The narrative assumes faith alone can heal, ignoring practical safety measures.

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