Big tears of frustration and exhaustion were streaming down his cheeks. But because of all the wrinkles, they weren't dripping off. They spread out and ran together again, leaving a watery film over his ruined face.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the deep emotional struggles and existential feelings of a person overwhelmed by life's challenges.
In this poignant description by Albert Camus, the imagery of tears symbolizes the weight of frustration and exhaustion that can accumulate over time. The wrinkles on the face represent the scars of struggle and the passage of time, suggesting that life's hardships do not simply wash away but instead leave a lasting impact, creating a 'watery film' over one's identity—a vivid reminder of the internal battles faced throughout life.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about the challenges of aging and the emotional toll it takes.
The Poor Man whom everyone speaks of, the Poor Man whom everyone pities, one of the repulsive Poor from whom charitable souls keep their distance, he has still said nothing. Or, rather, he has spoken through the voice of Victor Hugo, Zola, Richepin. At least, they said so. And these shameful impostures fed their authors. Cruel irony, the Poor Man tormented with hunger feeds those who plead his case.
The certainty of a God giving meaning to life far surpasses in attractiveness the ability to behave badly with impunity. The choice would not be hard to make. But there is no choice and that is where the bitterness comes in. The absurd does not liberate; it binds.
Between history and the eternal I have chosen history because I like certainties. Of it, at least, I am certain, and how can I deny this force crushing me.
Don't wait for the last judgment - it takes place every day.
A single sentence will suffice for modern man. He fornicated and read the papers. After that vigorous definition, the subject will be, if I may say so, exhausted.
At times I feel myself overtaken by an immense tenderness for these people around me who live in the same century.
When you accept everything for what it is without labels you are outside of your ego.
No one shall expel us from the paradise that Cantor has created for us.
Most disability charity hinges on that notion - that you need to send your money in quick before all these poor, pitiful people die. Peddling pity brings in the bucks, yo.
War is not a life: it is a situation, one which may neither be ignored nor accepted.
The laws only can determine the punishment of crimes, and the authority of making penal laws can only reside with the legislator, who represents the whole society united by the social compact.
It belongs to the imperfection of everything human that man can only attain his desire by passing through its opposite.
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