Quote by George Eliot, Middlemarch
With memory set smarting like a reopened wound, a man's past is not simply a dead history, an outworn preparation of the present: it is not a repented error shaken loose from the life: it is a still quivering part of himself, bringing shudders and bitter flavors and the tinglings of a merited shame.
Summary
In this evocative quote, the author emphasizes that one's past is not something easily forgotten or dismissed. The mention of memory as a reopened wound conveys the lingering pain and sensitivity associated with past experiences. The past is not merely an outdated account of one's life or a regrettable mistake that can be left behind. Instead, it remains an integral and dynamic part of a person, evoking strong emotions of regret, shame, and discomfort. The quote suggests that one's past continues to exert influence and shape the present, leaving behind a deep and unforgettable mark on one's identity.
Topics
Past
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