Artificial flowers Quote by William Maxwell
““There was also a wall vase with artificial flowers in it. The flowers were made of crêpe paper dipped in wax. They did not resemble any actual flowers and there had been no attempt to convey a general truth, such as what a flower is or why there are such things as flowers, but merely to make one more disconcerting object. There were no magazines on the mission table. It was not part of the hospital's intention to offer entertainment or to make the time pass more quickly for visitors who, more often than not, stayed too long and ran the patients' fever up and were a nuisance all around.””
About This Quote
The hospital scene is deliberately barren, lacking distractions, making the environment unsettling and emphasizing the patients' discomfort.
In simple terms: A stark, distraction‑free setting heightens unease.
Key Takeaway
Consider how environment affects wellbeing.
Themes
hospital
environment
discomfort
design
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- hospital rooms
- waiting areas
- design planning
- mental health care
Key Concepts
spatial design
psychology
patient care
Questions to Reflect On
- How could design improve patient experience?
- What balance between function and comfort is needed?
A Different Perspective
Such austerity may neglect therapeutic benefits of comfort.
