Amber Quote by Harriet Prescott Spofford
““Can you say those words and not like it? Don't it bring to you a magnificent picture of the pristine world, - great seas and other skies, - a world of accentuated crises, that sloughed off age after age, and rose fresher from each plunge? Don't you see, or long to see, that mysterious magic tree out of whose pores oozed this fine solidified sunshine? What leaf did it have? What blossom? What great wind shivered its branches? Was it a giant on a lonely coast, or thick low growth blistered in ravines and dells? That's the witchery of amber, - that it has no cause, - that all the world grew to produce it, maybe, - died and gave no other sign, - that its tree, which must have been beautiful, dropped all its fruits, and how bursting with juice must they have been -””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, 19th century literature
The passage describes an impossible, magical amber tree that embodies wonder and mystery, suggesting that some beauties exist without clear cause or purpose.
In simple terms: A mysterious amber tree symbolizes inexplicable beauty.
Embrace wonder without needing rational explanations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- artistic inspiration
- philosophical contemplation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the amber tree represent for you?
- How can you find wonder in the ordinary?
The metaphor may be too abstract for practical application.