Books Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
![“Stilletos of a frozen stillicide [...] In the lovely line heading this comment the reader should note the last word. My dictionary defines it as 'a succession of drops falling from the eaves, eavesdrop, cavesdrop.' I remember having encountered it for the first time in a poem by Thomas Hardy. The…” quote by Vladimir Nabokov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e8/vladimir-nabokov-198_books_stilletos-of-a-frozen-stillicide-in-the_210741.jpg)
““Stilletos of a frozen stillicide [...] In the lovely line heading this comment the reader should note the last word. My dictionary defines it as 'a succession of drops falling from the eaves, eavesdrop, cavesdrop.' I remember having encountered it for the first time in a poem by Thomas Hardy. The bright frost has eternalized the bright eavesdrop.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Literary Commentary, 1965
The author highlights a rare word describing dripping water, linking it to a Hardy poem and emphasizing the poetic beauty of ordinary sounds.
In simple terms: A rare word for dripping water is praised for its poetic charm.
Key Takeaway
Explore and celebrate obscure words in everyday language.
Themes
language
poetry
words
obscure
beauty
Mood
curious
appreciative
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- language teaching
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
Lexicography
poetic imagery
intertextuality
Questions to Reflect On
- What does discovering a new word reveal about perception?
- How can rare words enrich storytelling without confusing?
A Different Perspective
Obscure terms may alienate readers if overused.
![“...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)
