Almost all the great novels have as their motif, more or less disguised, the passage from childhood to maturity, the clash between the thrill of expectation, and the disillusioning knowledge of the truth.

Summary

This quote suggests that many iconic novels explore the transition from childhood to adulthood and the conflict between the excitement of expectations and the sobering awareness of reality. It implies that these novels often feature themes of coming-of-age, where characters grapple with the loss of innocence and the unveiling of harsh truths. This underlying motif of the journey from naïveté to wisdom is prevalent in numerous literary works, allowing readers to engage with the complex emotions and growth experienced throughout the process of maturation.

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