North and South
Elizabeth Gaskell wrote in North and South:
"Margaret felt how great and long had been the pressure on her time and spirits. It was astonishing, almost stunning, to feel herself so much at liberty; no one depending on her for cheering care, if not for positive happiness; no invalid to plan and think for; she might be idle, and silent, and forgetful, --and what seemed worth more than all the other privileges--she might be unhappy if she liked."
Labels: other people's words
posted by M @ 9:40 AM
3 Comments
3 Comments:
Oh dear how I wish...
Yesterday I was playing in the family room with Alice when I tripped over her sorting toy and went face-first into her bag of miscellaneous goodies. It was.... not a good state of affairs, as I landed mostly on my hands (though some on my face). I wanted to CRY with the pain of it, but couldn't. Because Alice was watching and was already upset because MAMA DOESN'T FALL ON HER FACE (well, I do, but whatever). So I pulled myself up, rubbed the scraped bits and said I'M OKAY. MAMA'S OKAY.
Most hours, most days, I am not at liberty to be unhappy or hurt or upset. I must be STRONG. It's a bit tiring.
Wise words.
One of the gauges I use for what type a friend a person may turn out to be is whether or not they will let me be unhappy if I like. The best sort of friend lets you be happy, sad, whatever. And they still somehow are there for you.
I have yet to read any works by Gaskell. I may have to check her out now.
I love that you began with Elizabeth Gaskell. I believe she will become a favorite of mine to turn to for great universal truths about life and death.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home