Like for like Quotes on Childhood Flashcards
“She had felt akin to birds and woodland creatures rather than to any human being who was ever invented.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the theme of innocence and childhood in the novel. Tess’s sense of kinship with birds and woodland creatures suggests her innate connection to nature and her free spirit as a child. This quote also suggests the loss of childhood innocence as Tess is forced to navigate the harsh realities of society and the patriarchal structures that oppress her.
“When you were children, you were told that a runner had collapsed at the finish line of a marathon, that a man had stepped off a curb and been hit by a bus, that a house had burned down with children inside. And you may have wondered, How did they feel? What were they thinking?” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” highlights the theme of loss and trauma in childhood. The rhetorical questions posed here suggest the common experience of witnessing tragic events as a child, and the confusion and curiosity about the emotional experiences of those affected. This quote also suggests that the trauma of childhood can shape and impact one’s entire life trajectory.
“Tess was conscious of neither time nor space. The exaltation which she had described as being producible at will by gazing at a star came now without any effort of hers; she did not realize that it was engendered by hunger.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the theme of poverty and childhood hunger in the novel. Tess’s experience of exaltation through hunger suggests the deprivation and struggle of her childhood. This quote also suggests that the hardships of childhood can have both physical and emotional impacts, and that these experiences can have lasting effects on one’s sense of self and well-being.
“But she knew that it wasn’t only a love of learning that drove her. It was her desperation to escape the narrow confines of her life, to defy her fate, to be recognized for her abilities.” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” highlights the theme of agency and ambition in childhood. Laila’s desire to escape her circumstances and to pursue her potential suggests the resilience and determination of children facing adversity. This quote also suggests that the agency of childhood can be a powerful force for change and empowerment.
“Her face had been made for a child’s delight.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the theme of childhood innocence and beauty in the novel. The description of Tess’s face being made for a child’s delight suggests the purity and naturalness of childhood, as well as the admiration and joy that children can experience in the presence of beauty. This quote also suggests the contrast between Tess’s innocent and joyful childhood and the harsh realities of her adult life.
“She was a child of war, a child of Mariam’s generation, shaped and molded by war’s privations.” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” highlights the theme of childhood trauma and its lasting effects in the novel. Laila’s status as a child of war suggests the profound impact of conflict on children and the way that it shapes their experiences and identities. This quote also suggests the ways in which childhood trauma can lead to resilience and strength, as Laila’s experiences give her a unique perspective and determination.
“But the cloud never comes in that quarter of the horizon from which we watch for it.” - “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”
This quote from “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” highlights the theme of childhood hope and optimism in the face of adversity. The metaphor of the cloud suggests the trials and hardships of life, while the idea of watching for it suggests a sense of anticipation and vigilance. This quote also suggests that childhood hope and optimism can be a powerful force in facing challenges, even if the reality of life does not always match our expectations.
“Sometimes, Laila reflected, the most frightening thing about Aziza was how much she loved her. At these moments, Laila’s own love for her daughter seemed dismal by comparison, shabby and impersonal.” - “A Thousand Splendid Suns”
This quote from “A Thousand Splendid Suns” highlights the theme of maternal love and the complexity of parent-child relationships in the novel. Laila’s reflection on her love for Aziza suggests the profound depth of maternal love and the overwhelming feelings that it can inspire. This quote also suggests the complexity of parent-child relationships, as Laila compares her own love to Aziza’s and struggles with feelings of inadequacy and doubt.
