Astonishment Quote by Jane Bowles
““This did not in any way alter her intention of accomplishing her mission; on the contrary; it seemed to her all the more desperately important now that she was almost certain, in her innermost heart, that her trip was a failure. Her attitude was not an astonishing one, since like many others she conceived of her life as separate from herself; the road was laid out always a little ahead of her by scared hands, and she walked down it without a question. This road, which was her life, would go on existing after her death, even as her death existed while she still lived.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Women, by Jane Bowles, 1953
The passage describes a character whose resolve deepens despite perceived failure, viewing life as a predetermined path that persists beyond death.
In simple terms: She stays determined even when she thinks she’s failed, seeing life as a road set ahead of her.
Key Takeaway
Embrace purpose despite setbacks.
Themes
determination
existentialism
resilience
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- career disappointment
- creative block
- life planning
Key Concepts
selfhood
fatalism
identity
purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see your life as predetermined or self‑directed?
- How do failures reshape your purpose?
A Different Perspective
Her view may ignore agency, assuming fate dictates outcomes.
