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Communication Quote by Michael Cunningham

“And so, a never-ending, rather edgy conversation between them, an undercurrent of roiling sound that reminded them they were married, they had two sons, they were living a life, they had preparations to make and disasters to avert and a world to interpret, sign by sign, symbol by symbol, to each…” quote by Michael Cunningham
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““And so, a never-ending, rather edgy conversation between them, an undercurrent of roiling sound that reminded them they were married, they had two sons, they were living a life, they had preparations to make and disasters to avert and a world to interpret, sign by sign, symbol by symbol, to each other, and that at this point the only fate worse than staying together would be trying, each of them, to live alone.””

Michael Cunningham

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Hours (1999)

The passage reflects a couple’s deep, complex bond, acknowledging shared life, responsibilities, and the fear of isolation.

In simple terms: Married life is both comforting and confining.

Key Takeaway

Embrace connection despite challenges.

Themes

marriage existence interdependence

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • relationship workshops
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

identity communication loneliness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do shared responsibilities shape intimacy?
  • What fears arise when considering solitude?
A Different Perspective

It may idealize marriage, overlooking individual autonomy.

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