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Beautiful Quote by James Joyce

“He wanted to cry quietly but not for himself: for the words, so beautiful and sad, like music.” quote by James Joyce
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“He wanted to cry quietly but not for himself: for the words, so beautiful and sad, like music.”

James Joyce

About This Quote

Source Novel: Ulysses, 1922

He feels a deep, artistic sorrow for beautiful, melancholic words, akin to music.

In simple terms: He cries for beautiful, sad words.

Key Takeaway

Value emotional depth in art.

Themes

art emotion literature

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • poetry reading
  • writing workshops
  • music composition
  • art criticism
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

aestheticism melancholy creativity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes words feel like music?
  • How does sorrow enhance artistic expression?
A Different Perspective

Focusing on sadness may overlook joy in art.

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