beauty alters the grain of reality. And I keep thinking too of the more conventional wisdom: namely, that the pursuit of pure beauty is a trap, a fast track to bitterness and sorrow, that beauty has to be wedded to something more meaningful.Only what is that thing? Why am I made the way I am? Why do I care about all the wrong things, and nothing at all for the right ones? Or, to tip it another way: how can I see so clearly that everything I love or care about is illusion, and yet-for me, anyway-all that's worth living for lies in that charm?
In "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt, the protagonist grapples with the idea that beauty can change one's perception of reality. This contemplation leads to a recognition that the quest for untainted beauty can often lead to disillusionment and pain. While there is a longing for something deeper that beauty should be connected to, the challenge remains in identifying what that deeper meaning is.
Additionally, the character reflects on personal identity and values, questioning their fixation on superficial matters rather than what is truly significant. They acknowledge a paradox: while they understand that their attachments may be illusory, the allure of beauty remains compelling and a source of fulfillment. This tension between awareness and desire encapsulates a human struggle with meaning and authenticity in a world colored by beauty.
