Children Quote by Richard Yates
““Emily knew she was going to cry. She tried to avert it with a childhood trick that had sometimes worked before - pressing both thumbnails hard into the tender flesh beneath the nails of her index fingers, so that the self-inflicted pain might be greater than the ache of her swelling throat - but it was no use.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “Revolutionary Road,” 1961
A child’s coping trick of self‑pain to suppress emotion illustrates desperate attempts to control overwhelming feelings.
In simple terms: Self‑pain used to hide tears.
Key Takeaway
Seek healthier emotional coping.
Themes
emotion
coping
pain
childhood
suppression
Mood
sad
intense
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- therapy
- parenting
- mental health support
- creative writing
Key Concepts
self‑inflicted pain
emotional regulation
psychological defense
Questions to Reflect On
- What healthier ways can we manage grief?
- How does suppression affect long‑term wellbeing?
A Different Perspective
Self‑pain can cause lasting harm.
