Bird Quote by Nathanael West
““But now let us consider the holes in our own bodies and into what these congenital wounds open. Under the skin of man is a wondrous jungle where veins like lush tropical growths hang along over-ripe organs and weed-like entrails writhe in squirming tangles of red and yellow. In this jungle, flitting from rock-gray lungs to golden intestines, from liver to lights and back to liver again, lives a bird called the soul.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Day of the Locust, 1939
The human body is likened to a wild jungle, with veins and organs as tangled flora, and the soul is a bird navigating this chaotic interior.
In simple terms: The body is a tangled jungle; the soul is a bird within it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complexity of our inner selves.
Themes
biology
metaphor
existence
Mood
reflective
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical study
- self‑reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
human anatomy
spirituality
literary imagery
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this imagery affect our view of health?
- Can the soul be understood scientifically?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may obscure scientific accuracy.
