I really like Mrs. Who's habit of speaking in famous quotations, finding that she's better able to express herself through the words of others. It gives us an opportunity to discover what words of wisdom inspired L'Engle, and to get a little crash course in some of the great thoughts of history. I also often find myself speaking in quotes, especially among people with a common reference point. Usually it's quotes from books, movies, television and songs rather than ones that are from significant figures throughout history, but in any case, there are so many to choose from, with well-ordered thoughts on just about every possible subject. I think it would be fun to try speaking like Mrs. Who for a day. It would make quite a challenge!
My all-time favorite quote is Gandalf's admonition to Bilbo at the end of The Hobbit: "You are a fine person, Mr. Baggins, and I am very fond of you; but you are only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!" But there are so many others I carry around with me everywhere. It's a comforting thought, really, to have such a deep well of wise and funny and inspiring quotes to draw from. Standing on the shoulders of giants.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
It's so funny that you decided to write about this...I almost posted something similar the other day! I was thinking back to when I first read Wrinkle and how impressed I was by Mrs. Who's quotes...they definitely lend a scholarly air, or a love of learning, to the book. And Mrs. Who (and Madeleine) is probably one reason why I too collect favorite quotes. In fact, I think Madeleine talks about keeping a book of quotations somewhere in one of her non-fiction journals.
I love collecting quotes, though I have one friend who puts me to shame in that area; he once gave me a book of quotes he had collected, and they numbered over a thousand!
Wow, now that's impressive! I have several small collections I've kept over the years, but I'm sure I've never collected that many! I did do a book of quotes for D. when we were dating/about to get engaged. I'm sure it's around here somewhere. :-)
I wish I could recall where Madeleine talks about keeping a book of quotations. I'm realizing how long it has been since I've read some of her books!
Post a Comment