What was grief but an extended tantrum to be salved by sex and candy.
This quote delves into the often complex and raw experience of grief, framing it as an extended tantrum—an emotional outburst rooted in vulnerability and pain. The comparison to a tantrum suggests that grief, much like a child's emotional display, is an intense, unfiltered release of feelings that demand acknowledgment. The phrase 'to be salved by sex and candy' underscores humanity's instinctive search for comfort and solace during moments of distress. Sex, a deeply intimate act, can serve as a means of reconnecting with oneself or seeking intimacy to momentarily escape pain. Candy, on the other hand, symbolizes simple pleasures or instant gratification—things that provide quick relief but often lack lasting substance. Combining these elements highlights a recurring human tendency: trying to heal or distract oneself from profound sadness with immediate, tangible pleasures. In the context of the book 'Fates and Furies' by Lauren Groff, this reflection resonates with its exploration of complex emotional landscapes, vulnerabilities, and the often conflicting ways we cope with life's darker moments. The quote implies that grief is not just a passive state but an active, sometimes even impulsive process marked by a desire for relief, however temporary. It reminds us that in our moments of vulnerability, we might adopt coping mechanisms that seem simplistic or juvenile in hindsight but are deeply human responses to pain. It prompts a broader reflection on how we confront suffering and the ways in which we seek comfort, sometimes falling into patterns that are as fleeting as candy, yet vital for survival.
