Skip to content

Autumn Quote by R. Murray Gilchrist

“By now, at the end of a sloping alley, we had reached the shores of a vast marsh. Some unknown quality in the sparkling water had stained its whole bed a bright yellow. Green leaves, of such a sour brightness as almost poisoned to behold, floated on the surface of the rush-girdled pools. Weeds…” quote by R. Murray Gilchrist
Download Open image
““By now, at the end of a sloping alley, we had reached the shores of a vast marsh. Some unknown quality in the sparkling water had stained its whole bed a bright yellow. Green leaves, of such a sour brightness as almost poisoned to behold, floated on the surface of the rush-girdled pools. Weeds like tempting veils of mossy velvet grew beneath in vivid contrast with the soil. Alders and willows hung over the margin. From where we stood a half-submerged path of rough stones, threaded by deep swift channels, crossed to the very centre. ("The Basilisk")””

R. Murray Gilchrist

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Basilisk by R. Murray Gilchrist, 1895

A vivid description of a strange, luminous marsh that feels both beautiful and unsettling, highlighting nature’s uncanny contrast.

In simple terms: A strange, glowing marsh is both beautiful and eerie.

Key Takeaway

Notice how contrasting details shape perception.

Themes

nature beauty uncanny contrast perception

Mood

wonderful uneasy reflective

Type

descriptive poetic

When to use this quote

  • hiking
  • photography
  • writing inspiration
  • environmental study

Key Concepts

environmental description imagery symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions does the vivid imagery evoke?
  • How does contrast affect your sense of place?
A Different Perspective

The description may romanticize a potentially hazardous environment.

4.1 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by R. Murray Gilchrist

Explore all 5 R. Murray Gilchrist quotes

More Autumn quotes

Browse all 1,210 Autumn quotes