I saw the mountain, impassible, cavernous, secret, where from morning to night I'd hear nothing but the wind, the curlews, the clink like distant silver of the stone-cutters' hammers.
In the quote from Samuel Beckett's "First Love and Other Novellas," the speaker reflects on a secluded and formidable mountain, highlighting its unyielding nature. The mountain stands as a symbol of isolation, evoking a sense of both awe and mystery. The imagery of it being "impassible" and "cavernous" suggests depths that are yet to be explored, emphasizing the remoteness and secrets that lie within its presence. This context sets the stage for the exploration of solitude and the natural world.
The sounds described, such as the persistent wind and the calls of curlews, create an auditory landscape that contrasts with the silence of the mountain. The mention of the stone-cutters' hammers adds a layer of human activity, hinting at both the labor and artistry involved in working with the mountain's stone. Through these elements, Beckett captures a serene yet haunting atmosphere, inviting readers to contemplate the relationship between humanity, nature, and the often unbridgeable chasms that exist between them.
