Poetry Quote by Virginia Woolf
““How, in so short a time, she had passed from intoxication to disgust we will only seek to explain by supposing that this mysterious composition which we call society, is nothing absolutely good or bad in itself, but has a spirit in it, volatile but potent, which either makes you drunk when you think it, as Orlando thought it, delightful, or gives you a headache when you think it, as Orlando thought it, repulsive. That the faculty of speech has much to do with it either way, we take leave to doubt. Often a dumb hour is the most ravishing of all; brilliant wit can be tedious beyond description. But to the poets we leave it, and so on with our story.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Mrs Dalloway, 1925
Explores society’s volatile influence on perception, making experiences feel intoxicating or repulsive, and notes the paradox of speech’s impact.
In simple terms: Society’s spirit can make ideas feel either delightful or repulsive.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how social context shapes our reactions.
Themes
society
perception
speech
psychology
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- social psychology seminars
- public speaking workshops
- creative writing classes
Key Concepts
cultural influence
subjective experience
social constructs
Questions to Reflect On
- How does societal pressure alter personal taste?
- When does speech become a barrier?
A Different Perspective
Individual experiences may differ, limiting universal conclusions.
