"My heart burnt within me with indignation and grief; we could think of nothing else. All night long we had only snatches of sleep, waking up perpetually to the sense of a great shock and grief. Every one is feeling the same. I never knew so universal a feeling"
- Elizabeth Gaskell
About this Quote
Elizabeth Gaskell's evocative prose records an intense, almost overwhelming emotional landscape marked by indignation, sorrow, shock, and shared grief. Her words illustrate an extensive individual and cumulative experience, resonating deeply with anybody who has dealt with unanticipated loss or disaster.
The phrase "my heart burnt within me with indignation and sorrow" exposes the inner turmoil and blaze of emotions. The option of "scorched" suggests not just discomfort, but a searing, extreme sensation that consumes her being. Indignation suggests a sense of injustice or misdeed that has worsened her grief, meaning scenarios beyond a mere individual loss, something that challenges her understanding of right and incorrect.
The expression "we could consider absolutely nothing else" underscores how all-consuming this grief is, overriding any other ideas or emotions. It recommends a preoccupation that captures their entire mental landscape, illustrating how significant the event was in her life, leaving no room for reprieve or interruption.
The narrative continues by detailing how this grief penetrates their sleep: "All night long we had only snatches of sleep, awakening perpetually to the sense of a terrific shock and sorrow." This line reveals the intrusiveness of sadness, denying any solace normally discovered in sleep. It paints an image of uneasyness and vulnerability where even the subconscious can not get away the clutches of emotional discomfort.
Finally, the assertion that "every one is feeling the very same" highlights the cumulative nature of this sorrow. This is not an isolated experience but one shared throughout a community, magnifying its impact and highlighting the universality of the emotion. In stating that she has "never knew so universal a feeling," Gaskell attests to the extraordinary scale of this grief, painting it as a landmark emotional event.
Through this quote, Gaskell communicates not simply the depth of her own sorrow and indignation, however also the shared human experience of challenging overwhelming loss, offering readers a peek into the potent and universal nature of sorrow.
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