Children Quote by John Irving
““Candy felt helpless; no one seemed to understand why she was standing there. Children were colliding with her at hip level, and this awkward, darkly handsome young man, who was surely her own age but seemed somehow older…was she supposed to tell him why she’d come to St. Cloud’s? Couldn’t anyone tell by just looking at her? Then Homer Wells looked at her in that way; their eyes met. Candy thought that he had seen her many times before, that he’d watched her grow up, had seen her naked, had even observed the act responsible for the particular trouble she was now presenting for cure. It was shattering to Homer to recognize in the expression of the beautiful stranger he had fallen in love with something as familiar and pitiable as another unwanted pregnancy.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Cider House Rules, 1985
Candy feels isolated and judged, while Homer recognizes her vulnerability and shared pain.
In simple terms: Candy feels alone; Homer sees her pain.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge others’ hidden struggles.
Themes
isolation
judgment
empathy
Mood
empathetic
introspective
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- college life
- healthcare decisions
- support groups
- relationship counseling
Key Concepts
Social stigma
unwanted pregnancy
intimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better support those facing unwanted pregnancy?
- What can we do to reduce judgment?
A Different Perspective
Societal pressures may limit honest communication.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
