He had learned the worst lesson that life can teach-that it makes no sense. And when that happens the happiness is never spontaneous again.
The passage reflects a profound realization about the harsh realities of life. It emphasizes that once someone understands the chaos and senselessness inherent in life, they lose the ability to experience genuine happiness. This insight is portrayed as a painful lesson, suggesting that the unpredictability of existence can strip joy of its spontaneity.
In the context of Philip Roth's "American Pastoral," this quote captures the core theme of disillusionment. The protagonist grapples with the contradictions of life and the loss of carefree joy as they confront the unexplainable events that shape their reality. It serves as a poignant reminder that understanding life's unpredictability can lead to a more somber existence.
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