Ancient Quote by John Steinbeck
“My wife, my Mary, goes to her sleep the way you would close the door of a closet. So many times I have watched her with envy. Her lovely body squirms a moment as though she fitted herself into a cocoon. She sighs once and at the end of it her eyes close and her lips, untroubled, fall into that wise and remote smile of the Ancient Greek gods. She smiles all night in her sleep, her breath purrs in her throat, not a snore, a kitten's purr... She loves to sleep and sleep welcomes her.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: East of Eden, 1952
The narrator describes his wife's peaceful sleep as a divine, serene state, comparing it to ancient gods and a protective cocoon, highlighting love and reverence for her rest.
In simple terms: She sleeps peacefully, like a goddess.
Key Takeaway
Cherish and protect loved ones' moments of rest.
Themes
love
tranquility
reverence
Mood
tender
reverent
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- marriage
- parenting
- caregiving
- nighttime routines
Key Concepts
intimacy
spiritual symbolism
domestic bliss
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this description teach about valuing intimate moments?
- How can you create a restful environment for those you love?
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
