Dreams Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““According to your proclivities, you may take a snow-clad Alpine peak, as it rises to the empyrean in radiant majesty, as symbol of man's aspiration to union with the Infinite; or since, if you like to believe that, a mountain range may be thrown up by some violent convulsion in the earth's depths, you may take it as a symbol of the dark and sinister passions of man that lour to destroy him; or, if you want to be in the fashion, you may take it as a phallic symbol.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 1935
Mountains can symbolize lofty aspirations or violent, destructive forces, reflecting humanity’s dual nature.
In simple terms: Mountains symbolize hope or danger.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both inspiration and danger.
Themes
literature
symbolism
human psyche
Mood
introspective
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- personal growth
- psychology
- art criticism
Key Concepts
dualism
interpretation
metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- What personal mountains inspire you?
- How do you confront destructive impulses?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on one symbol limits understanding.
