Robertson Davies "As a great building, well seen in morning light and against the moon, should be seen too in the hot glare of noon, so a really great book should be read in youth, again in maturity, and yet again in old age."

Robertson Davies, "As a great building, well seen in morning light and against the moon, should be seen too in the hot glare of noon, so a really great book should be read in youth, again in maturity, and yet again in old age."

Meaning:

This insightful quote uses the analogy of a magnificent building to illustrate that truly valuable works can be appreciated and understood anew through different perspectives and experiences. Just as a great building reveals different aspects of its beauty under varying conditions of light, a truly great book offers new meanings and emotions each time it is read at different stages of life.

Detailed Explanation:

1. Multilayered Appreciation of Great Architecture: Morning light and moonlight emphasize different aspects and moods of a building. Morning light clearly reveals its form and texture, creating a vibrant feeling, while moonlight casts subtle shadows, evoking a mysterious and contemplative atmosphere. Similarly, a great building displays diverse beauty under various lighting conditions.
2. Deep Understanding of Great Books: Likewise, a great book resonates differently with a reader depending on their life experiences and accumulated knowledge.
   • Reading in Youth: In childhood, one immerses oneself in the story itself, follows the adventures of the characters, develops imagination, and grasps basic lessons. The book is received with pure curiosity and emotion.
   • Rereading in Maturity: In adulthood, with more life experience and broader understanding, rereading a great book allows one to perceive the author's intentions, hidden meanings, and life wisdom that were missed in youth. This can lead to new emotions and deeper empathy.
   • Rereading in Old Age: In old age, with a wealth of life experiences and profound insights, rereading offers a chance to reflect on the themes and characters in the context of one's own life journey, often uncovering new layers of meaning and resonance.
3. Timeless Value: This quote suggests that truly great works possess universal value that transcends time. Books that continue to inspire and provoke thought in diverse readers across generations are like architectural masterpieces that retain their beauty over centuries.

Examples:

1. Classic Literature: A classic novel read as an engaging story in youth can reveal complex character psychology, social context, and the author's philosophy when reread in adulthood. For example, the impact and meaning of reading "The Little Prince" as a child can be vastly different from reading it as an adult.
2. Coming-of-Age Novels: Reading a novel about a protagonist's growth in youth allows easy empathy with their emotions and support for their development. However, rereading it in old age can lead to a deeper understanding of the significance of those youthful struggles and choices, prompting reflection on one's own life.
3. Poetry Collections: Poems that seemed like beautiful wordplay in childhood can evoke profound emotions and resonate with the deeper meanings of life's metaphors and symbols when reread in old age.
4. History Books: Books that appeared as mere lists of historical facts in youth can offer insights into the impact of past events on the present and recurring patterns in human history when read with a more developed understanding of social phenomena in later years.
5. Books Relevant to Personal Life: Rereading a book that was significant due to a particular experience or interest can reveal new perspectives or allow for a more objective view of past emotions.

In conclusion, Robertson Davies' quote emphasizes that great books are more than just sources of information or fleeting entertainment. They are valuable companions that continuously offer new meanings and enrich our lives as we grow and change over time. Just as beautiful architecture inspires us in various ways, great books serve as timeless teachers, providing fresh insights throughout our life's journey.