Of the widow's countless death-duties there is really just one that matters: on the first anniversary of her husband's death the widow should think I kept myself alive.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
All that matters in life is forging deep ties of love and family and friends. Writing and reading come later.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The essence of life is found in the connections we build with loved ones, rather than in our artistic pursuits.
Joyce Carol Oates emphasizes the importance of nurturing strong relationships with family and friends, suggesting that these bonds are ultimately more significant than our pursuits in writing or reading. This quote implies that while creativity and intellect have their place, genuine love and companionship form the foundation of a fulfilling life.
Themes
LoveFamilyFriendsRelationshipsLife
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used as an opening line during a family gathering to emphasize the importance of bonds.
More from Joyce Carol Oates
All quotes βI never really knew I wanted to 'be' a writer, but I was always writing from a very young age. It became more conscious as an ideal when I was in my twenties.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
I'm drawn to write about upstate New York in the way in which a dreamer might have recurring dreams. My childhood and girlhood were spent in upstate New York, in the country north of Buffalo and West of Rochester. So this part of New York state is very familiar to me and, with its economic difficulties, has become emblematic of much of American life.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
My writing is often a way of 'bearing witness' for others who lack the education and the opportunity to tell their own stories, so I hope that my writing won't be affected too much by my personal life.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
The worst cynicism: a belief in luck.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
. . . there is a wish in the heart of mankind to be distracted and confused. Truth is but one attraction, and not always the most powerful.
Joyce Carol OatesRead
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