America Quote by James Weldon Johnson
““New York City is the most fatally fascinating thing in America. She sits like a great witch at the gate of the country, showing her alluring white face and hiding her crooked hands and feet under the folds of her wide garments--constantly enticing thousands from far within, and tempting those who come from across the seas to go no farther. And all these become the victims of her caprice. Some she at once crushes beneath her cruel feet; others she condemns to a fate like that of galley slaves; a few she favors and fondles, riding them high on the bubbles of fortune; then with a sudden breath she blows the bubbles out and laughs mockingly as she watches them fall.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, 1912
New York is portrayed as a seductive yet ruthless force that can elevate or destroy those who seek its promises.
In simple terms: City can lift or crush you.
Key Takeaway
Respect its power, navigate wisely.
Themes
urban life
seduction
danger
chance
fortune
Mood
cautious
reflective
critical
Type
descriptive
metaphorical
critical
When to use this quote
- career ambition
- immigration
- tourism
- business ventures
- personal growth
Key Concepts
city as character
social stratification
fate
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance ambition with caution?
- What does the city demand of you?
A Different Perspective
City’s allure can blind you to risks and exploitation.
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