Skip to content

Death Quote by William Faulkner

“It used to be I thought of death as a man something like Grandfather a friend of his a kind of private and particular friend like we used to think of Grandfather's desk not to touch it not even to talk loud in the room where it was.” quote by William Faulkner
Download Open image
“It used to be I thought of death as a man something like Grandfather a friend of his a kind of private and particular friend like we used to think of Grandfather's desk not to touch it not even to talk loud in the room where it was.”

William Faulkner

About This Quote

Source Novel: As I Lay Dying, 1930

The quote reflects on death as an intimate, personal presence, akin to a cherished family member, suggesting reverence and distance.

In simple terms: Death seen as a private, familiar figure.

Key Takeaway

Treat death with respect and personal reflection.

Themes

mortality family intimacy respect reflection

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grieving
  • family gatherings
  • personal contemplation
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

existentialism personal myth psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does personalizing death affect coping?
  • Can intimacy with death hinder acceptance?
A Different Perspective

May overlook the universality of death, focusing too narrowly on personal sentiment.

3.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by William Faulkner

Explore all 674 William Faulkner quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 38,174 Death quotes