Blue book Quote by John Edgar Wideman
““Professor of Comparative Literature, B.A. Harvard. Ph.D. Sorbonne, Oxford. Somewhere certificates pasted in full-of-truth blue book. At points we diverge, essential points in fact. Always a clean white page to begin on. Où sont les neiges. The boy had been strangely unreluctant. Although detached, even cold in a numb, childish fashion, the boy had willingly submitted. First his shoes, then his socks and trousers pulled off by the Doctor’s trembling white hands, his priest hands moving of themselves, mechanical but infused with timeless primordial mystery that guided his fingers with a logic more powerful and comprehending than his own being. The flesh presented to his lips, staleness of his own groin floating up to meet him as he knelt. Breath of a dying wino. With this kiss I thee wed, the lean black bridegroom puff of veiled white beside him arm curled into his as they stood rigid with grotesque, confectionary smiles atop the pyramid of cake. Stale cake toppling then as knife keenly enters collapsing with a wheeze the creamy icing. He gave of himself in grudged thin spasms. The hierophant rose on stiff knees.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Hierophant”, 2005
A surreal, ritualistic scene explores themes of submission, authority, and the uncanny, blending academic titles with grotesque imagery.
In simple terms: A bizarre ritual examines power and surrender.
Question authority and its impact.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- theatrical performance
- literary analysis
- psychological study
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the ritual symbolize for you?
- How does the academic tone affect the narrative?
The vividness may alienate some readers.