Puddle Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
““An oblong puddle inset in the coarse asphalt; like a fancy footprint filled to the brim with quicksilver; like a spatulate hole through which you can see the nether sky. Surrounded, I note, by a diffuse tentacled black dampness where some dull dun dead leaves have stuck. Drowned, I should say, before the puddle had shrunk to its present size.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Ada, 1969
A vivid, surreal description of a small, reflective pool surrounded by darkness, evoking decay and hidden depth.
In simple terms: A strange, dark puddle reflects the sky, surrounded by dampness and dead leaves.
Key Takeaway
Notice hidden beauty in decay.
Themes
surrealism
decay
perception
nature
reflection
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
mysterious
Type
descriptive
poetic
literary
When to use this quote
- walking through a rainy city
- examining a puddle
- photography
- writing inspiration
- mindful observation
Key Concepts
symbolism
contrast
visual metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the puddle symbolize for you?
- How does the surrounding darkness affect your perception of the scene?
A Different Perspective
The imagery may be overly ornate, obscuring clear meaning for some readers.
![“...under no circumstances would he [Humbert Humbert] have interfered with the innocence of a child, if there was the least risk of a row.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f0/vladimir-nabokov-198_children_under-no-circumstances-would-he-humbert_16228.jpg)
