Animals Quote by Elizabeth Bishop
““--Suddenly the bus driver stops with a jolt, turns off his lights. A moose has come out of the impenetrable wood and stands there, looms, rather, in the middle of the road. It approaches; it sniffs at the bus's hot hood. Towering, antlerless, high as a church, homely as a house (or, safe as houses). A man's voice assures us 'Perfectly harmless. . . .' Some of the passengers exclaim in whispers, childishly, softly, 'Sure are big creatures.' 'It's awful plain.' 'Look! It's a she!' Taking her time, she looks the bus over, grand, otherworldly. Why, why do we feel (we all feel) this sweet sensation of joy? 'Curious creatures,' says our quiet driver, rolling his r's. 'Look at that, would you.' Then he shifts gears. For a moment longer, by craning backward, the moose can be seen on the moonlit macadam; then there's a dim smell of moose, an acrid smell of gasoline.””
About This Quote
Source Short story excerpt: "The Moose" (fictional narrative), date unknown
A moose appearing on a road evokes awe, curiosity, and a shared sense of wonder among passengers.
In simple terms: A moose on the road creates wonder.
Key Takeaway
Find joy in unexpected encounters.
Themes
wonder
nature
shared experience
human curiosity
Mood
contemplative
whimsical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- travel
- public transport
- storytelling
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
aesthetic appreciation
collective imagination
nature symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the moose symbolize for each passenger?
- How does shared awe affect group dynamics?
A Different Perspective
May overlook fear or danger of wildlife encounters.
