Darkness Quote by James Joyce
““His shadow lay over the rocks as he bent, ending. Why not endless till the farthest star? Darkly they are there behind this light, darkness shining in the brightness, delta of Cassiopeia, worlds. Me sits there with his augur's rod of ash, in borrowed sandals, by day beside a livid sea, unbeheld, in violet nigh walking beneath a reign of uncouth stars. I throw this ended shadow from me, manshape ineluctable, call it back. Endless, would it be mine, form of my form? Who watches me here? Who ever anywhere will read these written words?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: "Ulysses", 1922, Chapter 12 (Telemachus)
The narrator reflects on cosmic insignificance, darkness within light, and the yearning to understand existence through poetic imagery.
In simple terms: Contemplates darkness, light, and existential longing.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning amid cosmic mystery.
Themes
existential
cosmic
poetry
identity
Mood
reflective
enigmatic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- nighttime contemplation
- creative writing
- philosophical discussion
- astronomy
- meditation
Key Concepts
philosophical introspection
mythic symbolism
self‑questioning
Questions to Reflect On
- What shadows define your inner world?
- How do you find light in darkness?
A Different Perspective
May be overly abstract for practical guidance.
