Quotes from work
Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream
Hubert Selby Jr.

Requiem for a Dream is a 1978 novel by American writer Hubert Selby Jr., that concerns four New Yorkers whose lives spiral out of control as they succumb to their addictions.

“i think thats one of the problems with the world today, nobody knows who they are. everyone is running around looking for an identity, or trying to borrow one, only they dont know it. they actually think they know who they are and hat they are? theyre just a bunch of schleppers… who have no idea what a search for personal truth and identity really is, which would be alright if they didn't get in your way, but they insist that they know everything and that if you dont live their way then youre not living properly and they want to take your space away… they actually want to somehow get into your space and live in it and change it or destroy it… they just cant believe that you know what you are doing and that you are happy and content with it. you see thats the problem right there. if they could see that then they wouldnt have to feel threatened and feel that they have to destroy you before you destroy them. they just cant get it through their philistine heads that you are happy where you are and dont want to have anything to do with them. my space is mine and thats enough for me.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“For weeks Tyrone thought he was going to die any minute, and there were also times when he was afraid he wasnt going to die.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“There's a sorrow and pain in everyone's life, but every now and then there's a ray of light that melts the loneliness in your heart and brings comfort like hot soup and a soft bed.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“The voice so filled with nostalgia that you could almost see the memories floating through the blue smoke, memories not only of music and joy and youth, but perhaps, of dreams. They listened to the music, each hearing it in his own way, feeling relaxed and a part of the music, a part of each other, and almost a part of the world.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“Eventually we all have to accept full and total responsibility for our actions, everything we have done, and have not done.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“He didnt know what was defeating him, but he sensed it was something he could not cope with, something that was far beyond his power to control or even at this point in time comprehend.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“They held each other and kissed and pushed each others' darkness into the corner, believing in each others' light, each others' dream.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“But you cant shut everyone out. I mean you have to have someone to love… someone to hold on to… someone”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“But to believe that getting stuff is the purpose and aim of life is madness.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“thats why you cant be worried about the world. theyll just do you in anyway. you can't depend on them because sooner or later theyll turn on you or just disapear and leave you there alone.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“All the energy of their frustration and fear going into their laughter.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“However they may have felt when they left they were now committed, they had passed the point of no return.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“Sometimes it seems to stand still. Like you’re in a bag and you can’t get out and somebody’s always telling you that it will get better with time and time just seems to stand still and laugh at you and your pain.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“I suspect there will never be a requiem for a dream, simply because it will destroy us before we have the opportunity to mourn it's passing.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“… and the night was comfortably warm as the soft filtered light continued to push the darkness into the shadows as they held each other and kissed and pushed each others darkness into the corner, believing in each others light, each others dream.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Source: Requiem for a Dream

“Obviously, I believe that to pursue the American Dream is not only futile but self-destructive because ultimately it destroys everything and everyone involved with it. By definition it must, because it nurtures everything except those things that are important: integrity, ethics, truth, our very heart and soul. Why? The reason is simple: because Life/life is giving, not getting.”

Hubert Selby Jr. Requiem for a Dream

Requiem for a Dream (1978)

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