Tamina feels that the eyes of a single outsider are enough to destroy the worth of her personal diaries, while Goethe thinks that if a single individual fails to set eyes on his lines, that individual calls his–Goethe's–entire existence into question. The difference between Tamina and Goethe is the difference between human being and writer.
Tamina's perspective emphasizes her vulnerability regarding the privacy of her thoughts, suggesting that the scrutiny of just one outsider can undermine the value of her personal expression. This reflects a deep fear of exposure and a desire to keep her inner world safe from judgment. In contrast, Goethe's view illustrates a different mindset, where the absence of recognition from any observer leads him to question the very purpose and meaning of his existence as a writer.
This contrast highlights a fundamental distinction between a personal narrative and artistic creation. Tamina embodies the fragility of personal identity, whereas Goethe represents the existential weight of a writer's life. The dichotomy captures how individuals may perceive their existence based on the attention and acknowledgment they receive from others, showcasing the complexities of self-worth in relation to audience perception.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
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!
