"Only solitary men know the full joys of frienship. Others have their family; but to a solitary and an exile, his friends are everything"
- Willa Cather
About this Quote
Willa Cather's quote explores the nuanced understanding of relationship, particularly from the point of view of those who live in privacy or feel pushed away. At its core, the statement recommends that individuals who are singular or banished experience friendship in its purest and most profound type, mainly due to the fact that of their unique circumstances.
The quote starts by asserting that "just singular men know the complete delights of relationship". Here, Cather implies that solitude provides a lens through which individuals can appreciate friendships more deeply. In solitude, one lacks the consistent friendship that household supplies, and as an outcome, good friends become more substantial. This heightened appreciation occurs due to the fact that solitary individuals typically experience minutes of solitude or isolation, making the connection and sociability used by friends all the more treasured.
Cather contrasts this with individuals who are not solitary, recommending that those who have family depend on familial bonds for friendship, assistance, and psychological sustenance. For such people, friendships may not hold the same essential role due to the fact that family provides a built-in network of connection and support. In this context, good friends become an addition to the protected structure already provided by family.
Nevertheless, for solitary people or exiles-- those who might live far from their homeland or loved ones-- pals become indispensable. They work as surrogate family members, filling the void left by physical or emotional range. In essence, pals become whatever, offering emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging that solitary individuals may not otherwise experience.
Through this observation, Cather highlights the profound role friendship plays in the lives of those who may lack other kinds of intimate connection. It highlights the idea that the absence of conventional support systems, like household, can actually deepen the appreciation of, and dependency on, relationships. This perspective highlights the durability and adaptability of human relationships, particularly in the face of privacy and exile, placing friendship as a foundation of personal satisfaction for those who live on the fringes of societal standards.
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