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Benjamin Quote by Jonathan Coe

“These pieces, he already realised, were merely stepping stones at the start of a journey towards something - some grand artefact, either musical, or literary, or filmic, or perhaps a combination of all three - towards which he knew he was advancing, slowly but with a steady, inexorable tread…” quote by Jonathan Coe
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““These pieces, he already realised, were merely stepping stones at the start of a journey towards something - some grand artefact, either musical, or literary, or filmic, or perhaps a combination of all three - towards which he knew he was advancing, slowly but with a steady, inexorable tread. Something which would enshrine his feelings for Cicely, and which she would perhaps hear, or read, or see in ten or twenty years' time, and suddenly realize, on her pulse, that it was created for her, intended for her, and that of all the boys who had swarmed around her like so many drones at school, Benjamin had been, without her having the wit to notice it, by far the purest in heart, by far the most gifted and giving. On that day the awareness of all she had missed, all she had lost, would finally break upon her in an instant, and she would weep; weep for her foolishness, and of the love that might have been between them. Of course, Benjamin could always just have spoken to her, gone up to her in the bus queue and asked her for a date. But this seemed to him, on the whole, the more satisfactory approach.””

Jonathan Coe

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Rotters' Club, Jonathan Coe, 2001

A young man creates art over time, hoping his work will later be recognized as a tribute to his beloved, revealing his deep, unspoken love.

In simple terms: He builds a lasting tribute to his love through creative work.

Key Takeaway

Create something lasting for those you love.

Themes

love art unrequited affection patience self‑expression

Mood

hopeful melancholic reflective

Type

literary romantic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing a novel
  • composing music
  • making a film
  • crafting a personal project
  • expressing hidden feelings

Key Concepts

creative process long‑term dedication emotional tribute

Questions to Reflect On

  • What lasting work could you start today for someone you cherish?
  • How does patience shape creative expression?
A Different Perspective

The tribute may never be understood or appreciated by the intended person.

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