I have a tendency to come across as very distant and very spaced out – it doesn’t impact my relationships with people, so I don’t let it bother me. What does bother me is people assuming I don’t realise this when I do, partly because I’ve always been this way. I’ve constantly felt the need to jump into an imaginary world, be that a world created by someone else or a world created by myself. My adoration for Lewis Caroll’s characterisation of Alice stems from her endearing curiosity and impulsive need to distract herself from her surroundings. One of the ‘surroundings’ that prompted my need to mentally slip away was my feeling of never fitting in. I grew up firmly believing that I was an ‘ugly’ child. I didn’t fit in with what was seen as conventionally pretty face wise and I was taller than every girl my age. Many would argue the latter quality has always been deemed as attractive, and it is, if you move with a ballerina’s grace. But I’m detached and reserved, and therefore, very clumsy. I’m not content with my appearance even now but it breaks my heart a little knowing how much my 8-year-old self despised the way she looked.
I read The Twits when I was 8 years old and at the beginning, you can find the following passage:
This quote comforted my 8-year-old self massively and it brings me comfort even now. To this day, the best compliments I’ve ever received pertain to me being a good person or how my parents have raised me. Working hard and being kind to others is the best legacy one can leave behind – I don’t do either thing in the hopes to receive praise or reward, however, I know the universe will send me positivity back, even if it takes time. Roald Dahl demonstrates this in his works perfectly; Miss Honey, Matilda, Danny, James, George, Charlie and the Bucket family got their happy endings. George’s Grandmother, Mrs Trunchbull and The Twits faced their karma. No one is ever going to think you’re ugly if you diffuse amiability and affection. And the best part is? It’s easy to do so.
I thought it would be nice to dedicate this post to quotes from children's books that clung to me as a child and still hit home for me at 22-years-old. Books carry with them the best advice; you learn lessons through fictional characters who you emphasise with but needn't worry about.
Whenever someone asks me for my favourite Disney character I always say Wendy. The princess films were on repeat as kid but I love characters that tell stories. Wendy demonstrated to me the importance of growing up and letting go, but never forgetting.
After reading Peter Pan, I realised the Disney film had sugar-coated him quite a bit and understandably so; he’s not the greatest of guys. He’s selfish, manipulative and as far I’m concerned, never completely even tries to comprehend Wendy’s need to return home. Nonetheless, he has his moments. He does tell Wendy, “in a voice that no woman has ever yet been able to resist”, that “one girl is more use than twenty boys”. J. M. Barrie was ahead of his time with that one.
And Peter was right. Wendy guided her brothers home and was the beacon of light the Lost Boys didn't realise they were seeking. Nobody didn't wish for Peter and Wendy to end up together as a child but I believe growing up is realising she was too good for him.
There are two Winnie the Pooh quotes that always ring home to me. One is used everywhere though I’m not sure people know of where it originates. I don’t think I need to explain any underlying meanings behind it. But the quote that A. A. Milne floored me with was this one.
There are so many interpretations to this. Some argue that Milne was metaphorically telling readers that the world is full of beautiful places and beings. Some prefer the literal meaning – the likes of daisies and buttercups carry the rather unfortunate umbrella label of being ‘weeds’ but it's safe to say, they're not ugly by any means. I’ve always understood the quote as a means of giving everyone a chance, regardless of what I know about their past. This quote has got me into more trouble than out but I certainly don’t regret giving people the chance to change.
Eeyore is constantly deemed as the ostracised member of the Winnie the Pooh gang - not physically, and not by any intention of the other characters. Eeyore's take on the world was very blue, yet the other characters kept them around.
I have similar feelings about a line from The Railway Children, another book I became obsessed with at 8 years old. My class teacher at the time, Mrs Kinsey, gave me a copy which I still have on my shelf to this day. I thought I was so grown up for figuring out the children’s father had been arrested so early on in the novel. My favourite quotation from the Edith Nesbitt novel comes from Bobbie, the oldest of the three children, who states that “I think everyone in the world is friends if you can only get them to see you don’t want to be UN-friends”. From an early age books were telling me to lead with warmth and kindness, that there was no real reason behind everyone not getting along – invaluable advice.
Like many readers, I preferred the comforts of my own home were where I preferred to be as a child. I even found myself frustrated at times when characters went away on seemingly endless Bank Holiday breaks (looking at you, Famous Five) however - I loved The Wind in the Willows.
We studied the book when I was 7 at school - in our art lessons, we created felt puppets out of the characters. This was before I'd actually read the book and I'm sorry to report I made Toad, and unsurprisingly, I was the only member of my class to do so. I had no idea that the character was a straight up criminal. The Hufflepuff in me regrets this massively.
Anywho, in chapter 9 of the original novel, the Water Rat has an enlightening conversation with the Sea Rat. He tells him to "take the Adventure, heed the call, now ere the irrevocable moment passes! ‘Tis but a banging of the door behind you, a blithesome step forward, and you are out of the old life and into the new! Then some day, some day long hence, jog home here if you will, when the cup has been drained and the play has been played, and sit down by your quiet river with a store of goodly memories for company".
I studied a Literature of Sea module at university and in our first week, we all got asked to find a piece of literature or film in which the sea played a massive part. I had my analysis of Old Man and the Sea in my pocket, but I wanted to make sure I had a backup in case everyone went for this (which they did). I love this quote - the promise of a new day behind the so called 'banging of the door' and the guaranteed chance to rectify your mistakes. The knowing you can always return home and that you are entitled to solace. It's perfect.
There will definitely be a part 2 to this. Thank you so much for reading - I hope you've had a wonderful week. If you haven't, I hope the coming week is better!
Lots of love, Karisma xxx