Dream Quote by Ingeborg Bachmann
““Hello! It could only have been Andre, but she replaced the receiver instantly, reaching for the tiny, crumpled scrap of paper and tucking it under her pillow as she dozed off again, struck by another dream at the edge of sleep, and clutching her head and her heart because she didn't know where all the blood was coming from. Nonetheless she kept repeating: It's nothing, it's nothing, nothing else can happen to me now. Something might happen to me, but nothing has to happen.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: "The End of the World" by Ingeborg Bachmann, 1956
A character confronts inexplicable physical pain and fear, repeatedly reassuring herself that nothing serious can happen, highlighting denial and the struggle to maintain composure under distress.
In simple terms: She denies the seriousness of her pain, trying to stay calm.
Key Takeaway
Accept that denial may mask needed help.
Themes
denial
fear
self‑reassurance
psychological distress
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- nighttime illness
- sleep paralysis
- emotional crisis
- medical uncertainty
Key Concepts
existential anxiety
somatic symptom
self‑talk
Questions to Reflect On
- What are you denying in your own life?
- How does self‑reassurance help or hinder you?
A Different Perspective
Denial can prevent seeking medical attention, worsening the condition.
