Gardening Quote by Lawrence Norfolk
““As he lifted the leather-bound cover, the musty smell of paper rose up. He turned the first mottled leaf and looked down at an elaborately drawn image. A brimming goblet was decorated with curling vines and bunches of grapes. But instead of wine or water, the cup was filled with words. John stared at the alien symbols. He could not read. Around the goblet a strange garden grew. Honeycombs dripped and flowers like crocuses sprouted among thick-trunked trees. Vines draped themselves about their branches which bristled with leaves and bent under heavy bunches of fruit. In the far background John spied a roof with a tall chimney. His mother settled beside him. 'Palm trees...' she said. 'These are dates. Honey came from the hives and saffron came from these flowers. Grapes swelled on the vine...””
About This Quote
A vivid, fantastical scene uses a goblet of words to symbolize knowledge and mystery, inviting exploration of unknown symbols.
In simple terms: Words are presented as a mysterious, magical substance.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning in unfamiliar information.
Themes
imagination
knowledge
exploration
Mood
curious
inquisitive
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- reading
- interpretation
- creative thinking
Key Concepts
symbolism
literary fantasy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the goblet of words represent to you?
- How do you approach unknown symbols?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation may be limited by personal experience.
