Books Quote by Melissa Jensen
““Are his letters to Diana downstairs?" She sighed. "What is it about girls and letters? My husband left me messages in soap on the bathroom mirror. Utterly impermanent.Really wonderful-" She broke off and scowled. I would have thought she looked a little embarrassed, but I didn't think embarrassment was in her repertoire. "Anyway. Most of the correspondence between the Willings is in private collections. He had their letters with him in Paris when he died. In a noble but ultimately misguided act, his attorney sent them to his neice. Who put them all in a ghastly book that she illustrated. Her son sold them to finance the publication of six even more ghastly books of poetry. I trust there is a circle of hell for terrible poets who desecrate art." "I've seen the poetry books in the library," I told her. "The ones with Edward's paintings on the covers. I couldn't bring myself to read them." "Smart girl. I suppose worse things have been done, but not many.Of course, there was that god-awful children's television show that made one of his landscapes move.They put kangaroos in it. Kangaroos . In eastern Pennsylvania." "I've seen that,too," I admitted. I'd hated it. "Hated it.Not quite as much as the still life where Tastykakes replaced one orange with a cupcake, or the portrait of Diana dressed in a Playtex sports bra, but close." "Oh,God. I try to forget about the bra." Dr. Rothaus shuddered. "Well, I suppose they do far worse to the really famous painters.Poor van Gogh. All those hearing-aid ads." "Yeah." We shared a moment of quiet respect for van Gogh's ear.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unknown, excerpt from contemporary fiction
A character reflects on the fleeting, absurd nature of personal artifacts and how they become distorted through commodification and memory.
In simple terms: Personal items become meaningless when turned into art or commercial products.
Recognize the value of authenticity over spectacle.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- gallery visits
- reading personal letters
- collecting memorabilia
- discussing art
- reflecting on legacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does commodifying personal history affect our connection to it?
- What role does humor play in confronting loss?
The narrative may exaggerate for effect, obscuring genuine emotional depth.