If you want to see how far we have not come from the cave and the woods, from the lonely and dangerous days of the prarie or the plain, witness the reaction of a modern suburban family, nearly ready for bed, when the doorbell rings or the door is rattled. They will stop where they stand, or sit bolt upright in their beds, as if a streak of pure lightning has passed through the house. Eyes wide, voices fearful, they will whisper to each other, "There's someone at the door," in a way that might make you believe they have always feared and anticipated this moment - that they have spent their lives being stalked.
About This Quote
About Alice McDermott
Alice McDermott was a contemporary American writer, novelist, essayist. Alice McDermott is an American writer and university professor. She is the author of nine novels and a collection of essays. Read more on Wikipedia →
Themes
- Fear — Understanding and overcoming the anxieties that hold us back