Moon Quote by Guy de Maupassant
““It was then between one o'clock in the morning and half-past that hour; the sky soon cleared a bit before me, and the lunar crescent peeped out from behind the clouds - that sad crescent of the last quarter of the moon. The crescent of the new moon, that which rises at four or five o'clock in the evening, is clear, bright and silvery; but that which rises after midnight is red, sinister and disquieting; it is the true crescent of the witches' Sabbath: all night-walkers must have remarked the contrast. The first, even when it is as narrow as a silver thread, projects a cheery ray, which rejoices the heart, and casts on the ground sharply defined shadows; while the latter reflects only a mournful glow, so wan that the shadows are bleared and indistinct. ("Who Knows?")””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “Who Knows?” (1885)
The moon’s phases symbolize hope versus dread; early moon brings clarity, while the midnight moon feels ominous and unsettling.
In simple terms: Early moon hopeful, midnight moon ominous.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when darkness feels threatening.
Themes
hope
fear
perception
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- visual arts
- psychology
- spiritual reflection
Key Concepts
symbolism
night imagery
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “true crescent” represent for you?
- How do you find light in darkness?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations vary; symbolism may be subjective.
