What a cunning mixture of sentiment, pity, tenderness, irony surrounds adolescence, what knowing watchfulness! Young birds on their first flight are hardly so hovered around.

Summary

This quote highlights the complex and paradoxical nature of adolescence. It suggests that there is a clever combination of emotions, such as sentiment, pity, tenderness, and irony, that often surround teenagers. Moreover, it emphasizes that people seem to closely monitor and observe the actions and behaviors of adolescents, almost as if they were watching over and protecting young birds during their initial attempts at flying. The quote suggests that adolescence is a period of intense scrutiny and emotional intensity, with a blend of conflicting feelings and close attention from others.

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