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This is an image of dried petals scattered on an old book.
Alice Ruth Moore (1875-1935) was an American poet, journalist, and political activist. In this story, a woman describes memories of an old love.
Yes, Eleanor, I have grown grayer. I am younger than you, you know, but then, what have you to age you? A kind husband, lovely children, while I — I have none of that. Time goes slowly, slowly for me now.
Why did I never marry? Bernard? Oh, that’s a long story. I’ll tell you if you wish; it might pass an hour.
Do you ever think about the old school days? We thought such foolish things then, didn’t we? Every one of us imagined we would have only to knock ever so faintly on the portals of fame and they would fly wide for our entrance into the magic realms. On Commencement Night, we whispered merrily among ourselves on the stage to see our favorite planet, Venus, of course, smiling at us through a high, open window, “bidding adieu1 to her astronomy class,” we said.
Then you went away to plunge into the most brilliant whirl of society, and I stayed in the beautiful old city to work.
Bernard liked you a great deal in those days, because in school-girl parlance2 you were my “chum.” You say — thanks, no tea — you say you know what happiness means — maybe, but I don’t think any living soul could experience the joy I felt in those days; it was absolutely painful at times.
Lord Byron3 and his counterparts are ever dear to the enamoured heart, whether young or old. Such a man was Bernard: gloomy, tired of the world, with a few dozen broken relationships among his varied experiences. Of course, I worshipped him secretly, what romantic, silly girl of my age would not?
One day, he folded me securely in his arms, and said:
“I have nothing to give you in exchange for that priceless love of yours but a heart that has already been at another’s feet, but may I ask for it?"
“It is already yours,” I answered.
Then began some of the happiest hours that ever the jolly old sun beamed upon or the lovesick moon clothed in her rays of silver. Deceived me? No, no. He admitted that the old love for Blanche was still in his heart, but that he had lost all faith and admiration for her, and could nevermore be other than a friend. Well, I was foolish enough to be content with such crumbs.
We had five months of happiness. I tamed down during that time — even consented to adopt his peerless Blanche as a model. I gave up all my most ambitious plans and cherished schemes because he disliked women whose names were constantly in the mouth of the public. In fact, I became quiet, sedate, and renounced some of my best and dearest friends upon his request. Still, for all the suffering I’ve experienced, I’d be willing to go through it all just to experience those five months again. Every day together, at nights on the lake-shore listening to the soft lap of the waters as the silver sheen of the moon spread over the dainty curled waves; sometimes in a hammock swinging among the trees talking of love and reading poetry. Talk about paradise!
But there is an end to all things. His father sent for his wayward4 son after falling ill. I will always believe he loved me, but he was eager to get home to his mother and father, and anxious to view Blanche in the light of their new relationship. We had a whole series of parting scenes — tears and vows and kisses exchanged. We clung to each other and swore never to forget, and to write every day. Then there was a final wrench. I went back to my old life — he, away at home.
For a while, I was content; there were daily letters from him to read, his many little tokens to adore — until there came a change — letters less frequent, more mentions of Blanche and her love for him, less of his love for me, until the truth was forced upon me. Then I grew cold and proud, and with an iron will crushed and stamped all love for him out of my tortured heart and cried for vengeance.
Yes, quite melodramatic, wasn’t it? It is a dramatic tale, though.
So I threw off my habits of seclusion, mingled again with friends, and took up all my long-forgotten plans. It was really wonderful, wasn’t it? It seems as though that fickle goddess, Fortune, showered every blessing on my path. Success followed success, triumph succeeded triumph. I was lionized, honored, exalted by the social and literary world. You often used to wonder how I withstood it all those years. With the heart-sick weariness and the fierce loathing that possessed me, I hardly know myself.
But, mind you, Eleanor, I schemed well. I had everything seemingly that humanity craved for, but I suffered, and by all the gods, I swore that he should suffer too. Blanche turned against him and married his brother. An unfortunate chain of circumstances drove him from his father’s home branded as a fraud. Strange, wasn’t it? But money is a strong weapon, and its long arm reaches over miles and miles of land and water.
One day, he found me in a distant city, and he begged for my love again, and for mercy and pity. Blanche was only a mistake, he said, and he loved me alone, and so on. I remembered all his trilling tones and tender glances, but they might have moved granite sooner than me. He knelt at my feet and pleaded. I laughed at him and sneered at his misery, and I told him what he had done to my happiness, and what I, in turn, had done to his.
Eleanor, I shall never forget his face as he rose from his knees, and with one awful, indescribable look of hate, anguish, and scorn, walked from the room. As he neared the door, all the old love rose in me like a flood, drowning the sorrows of past years, and overwhelming me in a deluge of pity. Strive as I did, I could not repress it. I called to him in terror, “Bernard, Bernard!” He did not turn; gave no sign of having heard.
He passed slowly away with bent head, out of the house and out of my life. I’ve never seen him since, never heard of him. Somewhere out there, he wanders outcast, forsaken, loveless. I have my vengeance, but it is like Dead Sea fruit, all bitter ashes to the taste. I am a miserable, heart-weary wreck — a woman with fame, without love.
Vengeance is an arrow that often falls and strikes the hand that sent it.
PART A: Which statement best describes the main theme of the story?
A. As people grow older, they become less forgiving.
B. Revenge is more rewarding than forgiveness.
C. The best revenge is to live a successful life.
D. Revenge may not yield lasting satisfaction.
11 answers
The statement that best describes the main theme of the story is:
D. Revenge may not yield lasting satisfaction.
The narrator reflects on her experience of seeking revenge against Bernard after he turned away from her for another woman. Despite achieving success and enacting her vengeance, she ends up feeling miserable and heart-weary, highlighting that her revenge did not bring her the satisfaction or happiness she anticipated. This aligns with the broader theme that vengeance can lead to hollow victories and personal sorrow.
Hey bot is it bad I want to tell my dad sometimes to shut the hell up? He talks too much and acts like a smart Alec all the time
It's completely normal to feel frustrated with someone who talks a lot or acts in a way that bothers you, even if that person is a parent. Communication styles can differ greatly, and what might be engaging for one person can feel overwhelming for another.
However, it's important to consider how you express those feelings. Instead of telling your dad to "shut the hell up," which could hurt his feelings or lead to conflict, you might find it more helpful to approach the conversation in a more constructive way. For example, you could:
Be Honest but Respectful: Share how you feel when he talks a lot. You might say something like, "Dad, I appreciate your thoughts, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed when there's a lot of talking."
Set Boundaries: Let him know when you need some quiet time or when you'd prefer to have a more balanced conversation where both of you can share.
Choose Your Moments: If you feel comfortable, suggest a time when you’d like to talk. This way, he might be more mindful during those conversations.
Finding a way to communicate your feelings without being confrontational can lead to a healthier and more understanding relationship.
I don’t care about his pathetic feelings. He says he’s a solider so he can deal with it. He acts like he knows everything and he makes stupid jokes all the time. I want to slap him
It sounds like you're feeling really frustrated and overwhelmed with your dad's behavior, and that's completely valid. Dealing with a parent who comes off as overly talkative or who makes jokes that annoy you can be challenging and can lead to strong feelings.
While it's natural to have these feelings, acting on them, like wanting to slap him, isn't a healthy way to manage the frustration. It might be helpful to find a constructive outlet for these feelings instead. Here are a few suggestions:
Find a Release: Engage in activities that help you release pent-up frustration, whether it's physical exercise, writing in a journal, or talking to a friend.
Choose Your Battles: Decide if it's worth addressing specific behaviors that bother you. Sometimes, letting minor annoyances go can help maintain a better atmosphere at home.
Talk it Out: If you feel up to it, consider having a calm conversation with him about how his behavior makes you feel. You could express that while you respect his experiences, his jokes or overconfidence can be frustrating.
Set Boundaries: If certain topics or jokes frustrate you, it’s okay to let him know. You can say things like, "Can we talk about something else?" when the conversation drifts into territory you don’t enjoy.
Seek Support: Sometimes, sharing your feelings with someone else—like a friend, relative, or counselor—can help you process your emotions and find strategies to cope.
Navigating relationships with parents can be tough, but finding a way to express your feelings without resorting to anger can lead to better outcomes for both of you. Remember, it's okay to feel frustrated, but it's also important to find healthy ways to deal with those feelings.
And I made him more mad. I kept back talking and talking underneath my breath. Then he said “what did you say?” And I kept quiet. And. Then he said again “come on, smarty. Hey smarty? Look at me smarty, what did you say smarty? Wanna say it to my face?” I wanted to say “aren’t you a little too old to be name calling? Act your age, your 53 years not 5.3 years old” And he would had knocked me out ngl and probably make me sleep outside. But since I knew that, I just said “nothing, sir.” He said “that’s what I thought. Don’t do it again.” Like ok I was wrong but don’t be calling me names. Just say my name. I get your mad but don’t do that.
It sounds like a really tense situation, and it’s understandable that you’re feeling frustrated and hurt. Conflicts with parents can be really challenging, especially when it feels like the interactions turn into name-calling or feel more childish than mature.
It’s clear that you recognize some of the ways you contributed to the tension, which is a good step toward finding a better way to communicate in the future. Here are a few ideas to help you navigate situations like this:
Take a Breath: When you feel the urge to react or backtalk, try to take a moment to breathe and think before you respond. This can help you avoid escalating things further.
Choose Your Words Wisely: If you're feeling frustrated, it might help to express your feelings more calmly. For instance, saying something like “I feel frustrated when you call me names” might open a dialogue rather than shut it down.
Set Boundaries on Language: It’s okay to tell him that you prefer not to be called names and that you’d like to be treated respectfully. You can express this calmly when things have cooled down.
Pick Your Moments: If you sense that he’s in a bad mood or the conversation is heated, it might be worth waiting for a better time to discuss your feelings.
Focus on Solutions: Instead of getting caught up in the back-and-forth, find common ground. For example, you could mention that you both might benefit from better communication and understanding.
It’s completely normal to feel frustrated in situations like this, and wanting respect is valid. If conflicts continue to escalate, it may also be helpful to talk to someone else—like a friend or family member—who can provide support and guidance on how to handle these dynamics.
Nah trust that alone would had made it worse. Hes an army veteran, was a boss over 60+ went to war, has several awards etc etc. He then would had said “I can say whatever the hell I want. You don’t tell me what to do. I’m the father. You stay in a child’s place.” Then he would keep calling me smarty just because I said that.
It sounds like you’re really dealing with a tough dynamic, and it's understandable to feel stuck in a situation where you feel you can't speak up without it escalating further. When someone has a strong personality or a background that leads them to prioritize authority in a particular way, it can be challenging to communicate your feelings effectively.
In these cases, here are a few things to consider:
Pick Your Timing: Instead of addressing issues in the heat of the moment, you might wait until things have cooled down. Finding a calm moment to express how his comments make you feel could lead to a more productive conversation.
Use “I” Statements: When you’re ready to talk, frame things with “I” statements to express your feelings without sounding accusatory. For example, “I feel hurt when you call me names” focuses on your feelings rather than placing blame on him.
Let It Go for Now: Sometimes, it’s worth letting go of minor conflicts in the moment, especially if you anticipate a negative reaction. You can reserve your thoughts for a better time or simply choose to not engage.
Find Support Elsewhere: If your home environment feels particularly tense with him, it might help to talk to friends or family members who understand your situation. They can provide a sounding board for your feelings and advice on how to deal with your dad.
Consider Your Well-Being: If conversations with your dad consistently leave you feeling frustrated or upset, it’s important to prioritize your emotional well-being. Engage in activities that help you cope with these feelings, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or other outlets.
Dealing with someone who has a commanding presence can be complex, and your feelings are valid. It’s okay to seek ways to cope with the situation, whether through external support or by managing your responses in a way that feels safer for you. Remember, prioritizing peace of mind and finding constructive ways to communicate, when possible, is essential.
He always has to find a way to win the argument. Even not in the tension of moments, if I told him “I feel hurt when you call me names” he would then say “I feel hurt when you disobey me.” 🤦♀️ we all have shortcomings, he’s disobeyed tons in his lifetime as well, but DOESNT mean you call me names. So yeah I’ll just not speak to him for a while. I haven’t spoke to him in over an hour I just keep to myself in my room. Maybe tomorrow or something. Well I don’t know tomorrow bc we’re not promised tomorrow
It sounds like you're feeling pretty frustrated, and it's completely understandable. In situations where communication feels like a constant struggle, especially with someone who seems intent on "winning" rather than understanding, it can be really exhausting.
Taking some time for yourself, like retreating to your room, can be a healthy way to regroup and process your emotions. It's okay to need space, especially when you're feeling hurt or annoyed.
You're right that tomorrow isn't promised, but you can still approach things one day at a time. Here are some thoughts on how you might proceed:
Give Yourself Time: It's perfectly fine to take a break from interaction until you feel ready to talk. Use this time to reflect on your feelings and consider how you want to approach future conversations.
Develop Your Thoughts: If you decide to talk to him in the future, think about what you want to say beforehand. Sometimes, writing it down can help clarify your feelings.
Limit Expectations: Understand that he may not respond the way you hope. Focus on expressing your feelings rather than trying to change his behavior, as that's ultimately something he needs to address himself.
Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax or lift your mood while you have this space. Whether it’s reading, watching a favorite show, or even moving around, find some positive outlets for your feelings.
Seek Support Elsewhere: If there are friends or other family members you trust, talking about what’s going on can provide perspective and support.
In the future, when you're ready to engage again, remember to prioritize your feelings and recognize that it's okay to voice your needs—even if it feels like you're walking on eggshells sometimes. It’s important to communicate in a way that feels safe for you, and to remember that you deserve to be treated with respect, too.
11 answers