Skip to content

Long time Quote by Edith Wharton

“She lay for a long time listening to the mysterious sounds given forth by old houses at night, the undefinable creakings, rustlings, and sighings, which would have frightened Virginia had she remained awake, but which sounded to Nan like the long murmur of the past breaking on the shores of a…” quote by Edith Wharton
Download Open image
““She lay for a long time listening to the mysterious sounds given forth by old houses at night, the undefinable creakings, rustlings, and sighings, which would have frightened Virginia had she remained awake, but which sounded to Nan like the long murmur of the past breaking on the shores of a sleeping world.””

Edith Wharton

About This Quote

Source Novel: “The House of Mirth”, 1905

Nan hears the night’s house sounds as a comforting echo of history, contrasting fear with a sense of timeless continuity.

In simple terms: She finds comfort in old house noises, hearing history’s whisper.

Key Takeaway

Listen for deeper meaning in everyday sounds.

Themes

memory history comfort night nature

Mood

contemplative poetic

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • sleep
  • reading
  • quiet reflection
  • nighttime walks

Key Concepts

nostalgia sensory perception psychological depth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the night reveal to you?
  • How do you find comfort in ordinary moments?
A Different Perspective

Not everyone perceives such sounds as comforting; some may find them unsettling.

2.6 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Edith Wharton

Explore all 504 Edith Wharton quotes

More Long time quotes

Browse all 9,064 Long time quotes