Baby Quote by Kenzaburō Ōe
““The baby was no longer on the verge of death; no longer would the sweet, easy tears of mourning melt it away as if it were a simple jelly. The baby continued to live, and it was oppressing Bird, even beginning to attack him. Swaddled in skin as red as shrimp which gleamed with the luster of scar tissue, the baby was beginning ferociously to live, dragging its anchor of a heavy lump. A vegetable existence? Maybe so; a deadly cactus.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Silent Cry, 1967
The newborn, once near death, now lives fiercely, becoming a burden and threat to its caretaker, symbolizing painful survival and oppressive responsibility.
In simple terms: A baby survives but becomes a heavy, painful burden.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when survival turns into oppression.
Themes
burden
survival
responsibility
pain
oppression
Mood
conflicted
somber
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parental care
- health crises
- caregiver stress
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychological conflict
family dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does caring for a struggling life change you?
- When does responsibility become harmful?
A Different Perspective
The baby's persistence may also bring hope and purpose, not just oppression.
