Despair Quote by Sylvia Plath
““The moon is no door. It is a face in its own right, White as a knuckle and terribly upset. It drags the sea after it like a dark crime; it is quiet With the O-gape of complete despair. I live here. --from "The Moon and the Yew Tree", written 22 October 1961””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Moon and the Yew Tree, 1961
The moon is portrayed as a solitary, angry presence that drags the sea and embodies deep despair, reflecting the speaker’s isolation.
In simple terms: The moon feels angry and lonely, mirroring the speaker’s emptiness.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and express feelings of isolation.
Themes
loneliness
despair
nature
identity
solitude
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- creative writing
- nighttime reflection
- meditation
- art therapy
Key Concepts
existentialism
symbolism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the moon’s image affect your sense of self?
- What can you do when feeling empty?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may romanticize suffering, overlooking practical coping.
