A squat black telephone, I mean an octopus, the god of our Signal Corps, owns a recess in Berlin {more probably Moscow, which one German general has named .
William T. Vollmann Europe Central
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In "Europe Central," William T. Vollmann presents an intriguing image of a black telephone likened to an octopus, representing a potent symbol of communication and control. This metaphor suggests a complex and possibly sinister network at work, one that influences events far beyond its physical presence. The reference to Berlin and Moscow indicates a historical context of power dynamics and the operations of the Signal Corps, underscoring the tension during that era.

The phrase highlights the overarching themes of surveillance and manipulation within a geopolitical landscape. By naming a German general’s association with this imagery, Vollmann connects personal experiences with broader historical narratives, portraying the entanglement of personal and political realms. This connection offers readers a glimpse into the psychological ramifications of war and communication in Europe.

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Europe Central
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William T. Vollmann
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Other quotes in Europe Central

those T-34s? Better not to look! I see you shining, my beloved, chaotic, all-knowing, heartless Russia. Stalin's daughter Svetlana wrote that.
William T. Vollmann Europe Central
those T-34s? Better not to look! I see you shining, my beloved, chaotic, all-knowing, heartless Russia. Stalin's daughter Svetlana wrote that.
All this is the flimsiest speculation, which is God's gift to historical fictioneers.
William T. Vollmann Europe Central
All this is the flimsiest speculation, which is God's gift to historical fictioneers.
The things you love too much perish"-After Shostakovich and Volkov, p. 78. The composer goes on: "You have to treat everything with irony, especially the things you hold dear.
William T. Vollmann Europe Central
The things you love too much perish"-After Shostakovich and Volkov, p. 78. The composer goes on: "You have to treat everything with irony, especially the things you hold dear.
...each bullet not a moment but a moment's end...
William T. Vollmann Europe Central
...each bullet not a moment but a moment's end...
Bones, murdered or merely perished, ought to stay silent. That's the law. But, quick and shrill as a violin-screech, they come back, to the terror of all who stand guilty of living, and then they dance, playing on their tomb-lids as lightly as cats--but the game's evil, hateful, angry; there's no fun in being a skeleton!
William T. Vollmann Europe Central
Bones, murdered or merely perished, ought to stay silent. That's the law. But, quick and shrill as a violin-screech, they come back, to the terror of all who stand guilty of living, and then they dance, playing on their tomb-lids as lightly as cats--but the game's evil, hateful, angry; there's no fun in being a skeleton!
E. Kruglikova, who in real life might never have met him {I have no confirmed information on this}, smiled lustrously; she was wearing a formal black dress and a necklace of frozen tears. Their friends applauded, thereby imitating static on a clandestine radio.
William T. Vollmann Europe Central
E. Kruglikova, who in real life might never have met him {I have no confirmed information on this}, smiled lustrously; she was wearing a formal black dress and a necklace of frozen tears. Their friends applauded, thereby imitating static on a clandestine radio.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Edward Gorey Ascending Peculiarity:...
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
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For me the curse is a crutch, but the con is everything.
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
Jim Butcher Grave Peril
I don't have anything against God. Far from it. But I don't understand Him. And I don't trust a lot of the people that go around claiming that they're working in His best interests.
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Maria V. Snyder Magic Study
I found Esau's field guide at the bottom of my pack. Taking a candle into the bedroom, I read his book until my eyes grew heavy. From his vast notes, it seemed that almost every plant and tree in the jungle had a reason for existing. I caught myself wishing there was a page in his guide that had my picture on it with the reason for my existence written underneath in Esau's neat hand.
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
Here's a nifty solution: Each couple that marries should take on an entirely new surname, chosen however they want as long as both agree to it, so that a day after the wedding, both husband and wife can hold hands and joyfully journey off to the municipal offices to change their passports, driver's licenses, signatures, initials, bank accounts, etc.
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
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