"Joyce for all his devotion to his art, terrible in its austerity, was a lad born with a song on one side of him, a dance on the other; two gay guardian angels every human ought to have"
- Sean O'Casey
About this Quote
This quote by Sean O'Casey speaks to the duality of Joyce's character. On one side, he was dedicated to his art, which was "horrible in its austerity". On the other side, he was born with a tune and a dance, suggesting a joyous and carefree spirit. O'Casey suggests that everyone needs to have 2 guardian angels like Joyce, one that encourages them to pursue their passions and one that motivates them to take pleasure in life. This quote talks to the importance of balance in life, and how having both an imaginative and a joyful side can cause a more satisfying life. It also speaks with the importance of having an enthusiasm and pursuing it, while likewise requiring time to delight in life and individuals around you. O'Casey's quote is a pointer that life must be dealt with both passion and delight.