It was once suggested to me that, as an antidote to crying, I put my head in a paper bag. As it happens, there is a sound physiological reason, something to do with oxygen, for doing exactly that, but the psychological effect alone is incalculable: it is difficult in the extreme to continue fancying oneself Cathy in Wuthering Heights with one's head in a Food Fair bag.
In one of her essays, Joan Didion reflects on a piece of advice given to her to combat feelings of sadness by placing her head in a paper bag. While there is a physiological rationale linked to oxygen supply, Didion emphasizes the profound psychological impact this act can have. The absurdity of imagining oneself as a tragic literary figure, like Cathy from Wuthering Heights, while in such a ridiculous position highlights the dissonance between lofty emotions and mundane reality.
This insight captures Didion's ability to blend humor with introspection. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, unconventional methods can provide a reprieve from overwhelming emotions. The scenario of putting one’s head in a bag, while seemingly trivial, can disrupt negative thoughts and offer a fresh perspective, illustrating the importance of finding lightness amid emotional turmoil.
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Other quotes in Collected Essays: Slouching Towards Bethlehem, The White Album, and After Henry
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
