Calm Quote by W. E. B. Du Bois
“St. Louis sprawls where mighty rivers meet - as broad as Philadelphia, but three stories high instead of two, with wider streets and dirtier atmosphere, over the dull-brown of wide, calm rivers. The city overflows into the valleys of Illinois and lies there, writhing under its grimy cloud.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Chicago" by Carl Sandburg, 1914
The city is depicted as expansive, gritty, and overwhelming, contrasting its size with its polluted atmosphere and chaotic growth.
In simple terms: A large city can feel both impressive and grimy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both beauty and decay in urban life.
Themes
urban life
environment
contrast
growth
decay
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
descriptive
poetic
When to use this quote
- traveling
- city planning
- environmental activism
- real estate development
Key Concepts
industrialization
urbanization
human experience
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the city's environment shape its culture?
- What aspects of urban life are overlooked?
A Different Perspective
The description may romanticize hardship, ignoring residents' resilience.
