There was nothing to say to tragedy that had outlived hope.
Sinclair Lewis Free Air
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In Sinclair Lewis's novel "Free Air," the quote conveys the profound weight of despair that can accompany enduring tragedy. The essence captures a sense of helplessness in the face of overwhelming adversity, suggesting that when hope is lost, words seem futile. This reflects a universal truth about human experience, highlighting that some hardships defy consolation or explanation.

The phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the limits of verbal comfort when confronting deep-seated pain. It illustrates how certain experiences can leave individuals feeling isolated, trapped in their sorrow, with little recourse to alleviate their suffering. Through this quote, Lewis emphasizes the emotional landscape of resilience and the challenge of finding meaning when faced with relentless hardship.

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Free Air
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Sinclair Lewis
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March 12, 2025
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Other quotes in Free Air

She was used to gracious leisure, attractive uselessness, nut-center chocolates, and a certain wonder as to why she was alive.
Sinclair Lewis Free Air
She was used to gracious leisure, attractive uselessness, nut-center chocolates, and a certain wonder as to why she was alive.
Now of all the cosmic problems yet unsolved, not cancer nor the future of poverty are the flustering questions, but these twain: Which is worse, not to wear evening clothes at a party at which you find every one else dressed, or to come in evening clothes to a house where, it proves, they are never worn? And: Which is worse, not to tip when a tip has been expected; or to tip, when the tip is an insult?
Sinclair Lewis Free Air
Now of all the cosmic problems yet unsolved, not cancer nor the future of poverty are the flustering questions, but these twain: Which is worse, not to wear evening clothes at a party at which you find every one else dressed, or to come in evening clothes to a house where, it proves, they are never worn? And: Which is worse, not to tip when a tip has been expected; or to tip, when the tip is an insult?
She knew the exaltation of starting out in the fresh morning for places she had never seen, without the bond of having to return at night.
Sinclair Lewis Free Air
She knew the exaltation of starting out in the fresh morning for places she had never seen, without the bond of having to return at night.
She looked up at columns of crimson and saffron and burning brown, up at the matronly falls, up at lone pines clinging to jutting rocks that must be already crashing toward her, and in the splendor she knew the Panic fear that is the deepest reaction to beauty.
Sinclair Lewis Free Air
She looked up at columns of crimson and saffron and burning brown, up at the matronly falls, up at lone pines clinging to jutting rocks that must be already crashing toward her, and in the splendor she knew the Panic fear that is the deepest reaction to beauty.
But she wasn't thinking Yes. She was thinking, Milt, what worries me now isn't how I can risk letting the 'nice people' meet you. It's how I can ever waste you on the 'nice people.
Sinclair Lewis Free Air
But she wasn't thinking Yes. She was thinking, Milt, what worries me now isn't how I can risk letting the 'nice people' meet you. It's how I can ever waste you on the 'nice people.
West of Chicago, You bet means Rather, and Yes indeed, and On the whole I should be inclined to fancy that there may be some vestiges of accuracy in your curious opinion, and You're a liar but I can't afford to say so.
Sinclair Lewis Free Air
West of Chicago, You bet means Rather, and Yes indeed, and On the whole I should be inclined to fancy that there may be some vestiges of accuracy in your curious opinion, and You're a liar but I can't afford to say so.
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Other quotes in book quote

All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Edward Gorey Ascending Peculiarity:...
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Dear Ijeawele, or A...
{...} what I wish for Chizalum is the following: that she is full of opinions, and that her opinions stem from a well-informed, humane, and open mind. That she have health and happiness. That she have the life she wants to have.
«In memory of the countless men and women of all creeds, nations, and races who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in the Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny.»
Mario Vargas Llosa The call of the tribe
«In memory of the countless men and women of all creeds, nations, and races who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in the Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny.»
"That's a huge gamble." "We're long past the time for careful certainty."
Peter F. Hamilton The Evolutionary Void
"That's a huge gamble." "We're long past the time for careful certainty."
When had it become so ingrained in her to apologize whenever she wanted something for herself?
Robin Hobb The Rain Wilds...
When had it become so ingrained in her to apologize whenever she wanted something for herself?
Relationships and marriages are hard enough, but you add war into the mix and small fissures become gaping wounds. No one sees what you're seeing - again that clear-eyed, unbiased thing - except your fellow soldiers. It's like one of those movies where only the hero can see the ghosts and everyone else thinks the hero is crazy.
Harlan Coben Fool Me Once
Relationships and marriages are hard enough, but you add war into the mix and small fissures become gaping wounds. No one sees what you're seeing - again that clear-eyed, unbiased thing - except your fellow soldiers. It's like one of those movies where only the hero can see the ghosts and everyone else thinks the hero is crazy.
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