...that swimming, sloping, elusive something about the dark-bluish tint of the iris which seemed still to retain the shadows it had absorbed of ancient, fabulous forests where there were more birds than tigers and more fruit than thorns, and where, in some dappled depth, man's mind had been born...
In Vladimir Nabokov's "Speak, Memory," the author reflects on the profound and elusive qualities of the human experience symbolized by the dark-bluish tint of the eye's iris. This description evokes a sense of mystery and depth, suggesting that the iris holds memories and shadows of ancient forests, rich with life and beauty, where nature thrived without the harshness of survival.
Nabokov's imagery paints a contrasting world of abundance and wonder, filled with birds and fruit, emphasizing the richness of memory and the origins of human thought. His exploration reveals a deep connection to the past, suggesting that our understanding and creativity emerge from the enchanting histories of the natural world.
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