Beam Quote by Marietta Holley
“I wanted to visit the Capitol of our country, the center of our great civilization that stands like the sun in the solar system, sendin' out beams of power and wisdom and law and order, and justice and injustice, and money and oratory, and talk and talk, and wind and everything, to the uttermost points of our vast possessions, and from them clear to the ends of the earth.”
About This Quote
Source Satire: 19th‑century essay, Marietta Holley
She mocks grandiose praise of a nation’s capital, exposing contradictions in its lofty claims.
In simple terms: Satire reveals contradictions in national pride.
Key Takeaway
Question grand narratives critically.
Themes
politics
pride
contradiction
Mood
critical
ironic
Type
satirical
political
When to use this quote
- public speeches
- political campaigns
- education curricula
- media analysis
Key Concepts
satire
nationalism
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the satire reveal about power?
- How can we balance pride with critique?
A Different Perspective
Over‑idealizing can hide real problems.
![“[Book's subtitle:] Designed as a beacon of light to guide women to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but which may be read by members of the sterner sect, without injury to themselves or the book.” quote by Marietta Holley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56f/marietta-holley-42963_beacons_book-s-subtitle-designed-as-a-beacon-of_1771418.jpg){kind=tracking}
![“I have brought him [my son] up to think that purity and virtue are both masculine and femanine gender, and that God's angels are not necessarily all she ones.” quote by Marietta Holley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f77/marietta-holley-42963_angel_i-have-brought-him-my-son-up-to-think-th_1822982.jpg)
