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Beautiful Quote by Virginia Woolf

“But when the self speaks to the self, who is speaking? The entombed soul, the spirit driven in, in, in to the central catacomb; the self that took the veil and left the world -- a coward perhaps, yet somehow beautiful, as it flits with its lantern restlessly up and down the dark corridors.” quote by Virginia Woolf
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“But when the self speaks to the self, who is speaking? The entombed soul, the spirit driven in, in, in to the central catacomb; the self that took the veil and left the world -- a coward perhaps, yet somehow beautiful, as it flits with its lantern restlessly up and down the dark corridors.”

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

Source Novel: Mrs Dalloway, Virginia Woolf, 1925

The inner voice questions its own identity, revealing a hidden, restless self that both fears and embraces its own beauty.

In simple terms: Self‑talk reveals hidden fears and beauty.

Key Takeaway

Listen to inner dialogue for self‑knowledge.

Themes

identity self‑reflection inner conflict

Mood

introspective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • therapy sessions
  • meditation
  • nighttime reflection

Key Concepts

psychology existentialism consciousness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your inner voice hide?
  • How does acknowledging fear change your self‑image?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may obscure practical self‑understanding.

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