Forgotten Quote by J.L. Carr
““I never exchanged a word with the Colonel. He has no significance at all in what happened during my stay in Oxgodby. As far as I’m concerned he might just as well have gone round the corner and died. But that goes for most of us, doesn’t it? We look blankly at each other. Here I am, here you are. What are we doing here? What do you suppose it’s all about? Let’s dream on. Yes, that’s my Dad and Mum over there on the piano top. My eldest boy is on the mantelpiece. That cushion cover was embroidered by my cousin Sarah only a month before she passed on. I go to work at eight and come home at five-thirty. When I retire they’ll give me a clock – with my name engraved on the back. Now you know all about me. Go away: I’ve forgotten you already.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Season in the Life of Emmanuel, by J.L. Carr, 1974
The passage reflects on the absurdity and emptiness of daily routine, the fleeting nature of relationships, and the longing for meaning amidst mundane existence.
In simple terms: Life feels empty and routine, questioning purpose.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper connections beyond routine.
Themes
existentialism
routine
meaninglessness
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- office life
- family gatherings
- retirement planning
- grief processing
Key Concepts
absurdity
memory
family
work
death
Questions to Reflect On
- What small rituals give your day meaning?
- How do you confront the feeling of emptiness?
A Different Perspective
The narrator’s tone may exaggerate nihilism, overlooking moments of genuine joy.
