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Big fan Quote by Raymond Carver

“What's that sound?" Fran said. Then something as big as a vulture flapped heavily down from one of the trees and landed just in front of the car.It shook itself.It turned its long neck toward the car, raised its head, and regarded us. "Goddamn it," I said.I sat there with my hands on the wheel and…” quote by Raymond Carver
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““What's that sound?" Fran said. Then something as big as a vulture flapped heavily down from one of the trees and landed just in front of the car.It shook itself.It turned its long neck toward the car, raised its head, and regarded us. "Goddamn it," I said.I sat there with my hands on the wheel and stared at the thing. "Can you believe it?" Fran said."I never saw a real one before." We both knew it was a peacock, sure,but we didn't say the word out loud.We just watched it.The bird turned its head up in the air and made this harsh cry again.It had fluffed itself out and looked about twice the size it'd been when it landed. "Goddamn," I said again. We stayed where we were in the front seat. The bird moved forward a little.Then it turned its head to the side and braced itself.It kept its bright, wild eye right on us.Its tail was raised, and it was like a big fan folding in and out. There was every color in the rainbow shining from that tail. "My God," Fran said quietly.She moved her hand over to my knee. "Goddamn," I said. There was nothing else to say. The bird made this strange wailing sound once more. "May- awe, may-awe!" it went.If it'd been something I was hearing late at night and for the first time, I'd have thought it was somebody dying, or else something wild and dangerous.””

Raymond Carver

About This Quote

Source Short Story: “What’s That Sound?” (unpublished manuscript)

A sudden encounter with a vivid, startling bird triggers awe, fear, and a sense of the unknown, highlighting how unexpected beauty can confront everyday life.

In simple terms: Seeing something extraordinary can be both beautiful and unsettling.

Key Takeaway

Embrace moments of awe, even when they disturb routine.

Themes

wonder fear beauty nature unexpected reflection

Mood

awe unease curiosity

Type

narrative descriptive reflective

When to use this quote

  • road trip
  • unexpected wildlife encounter
  • personal introspection
  • shared experience

Key Concepts

aesthetic experience human perception nature's impact

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do unexpected natural moments change your perspective?
  • What emotions arise when beauty feels threatening?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may romanticize the encounter, overlooking practical safety concerns.

4.9 out of 5 (10 ratings)

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