Meaning: This quote is from the poem "In the Attic" by Andrew Motion, a well-known English poet and novelist. The poem was published in his collection of poetry titled "Dangerous Play: Poems 1974-1984." The quote reflects Motion's experience of witnessing sudden bursts of light, possibly from explosions or gunfire, and his feelings of detachment from the fear that they evoke.

In this quote, Motion describes the sudden bursts of light as explaining themselves as flames, indicating that the source of the light is recognizable as fire. He then mentions bombs redoubled on the hills, suggesting an escalation of conflict or danger in the surrounding area. However, Motion expresses a sense of distance from the fear that these events evoke. He states that neither the flames nor the bombs can quite include him in their fear, suggesting a disconnect between the external turmoil and his internal emotional state.

Andrew Motion is known for his introspective and reflective poetry, often drawing on personal experiences and emotions. In "In the Attic," Motion explores themes of memory, childhood, and the passage of time. The attic, a recurring motif in the poem, serves as a metaphor for the mind and memory, where the poet revisits and reflects on past experiences and emotions.

Motion's use of language in this quote is particularly evocative. The juxtaposition of the visual imagery of flames and bombs with the emotional detachment of the speaker creates a powerful contrast. The flames and bombs represent external threats and turmoil, while the speaker's sense of exclusion from the fear they provoke suggests a psychological distance from the events unfolding around him.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of fear and resilience. Motion's portrayal of the speaker's detachment from the fear evoked by the flames and bombs invites readers to consider the complex ways in which individuals respond to and cope with external threats and danger. The speaker's ability to maintain a sense of emotional distance from the chaos around him may be interpreted as a form of resilience or emotional self-preservation.

Furthermore, Motion's choice of words and the structure of the quote contribute to the overall impact of the poem. The use of enjambment, where the thought continues from one line to the next without a pause, creates a sense of momentum and urgency in the speaker's reflection. The repetition of the word "nor" emphasizes the speaker's insistence on his emotional detachment, reinforcing the idea of his separation from the fear around him.

Overall, Andrew Motion's quote from "In the Attic" conveys a complex mixture of imagery, emotion, and introspection. Through his skillful use of language and imagery, Motion invites readers to contemplate the relationship between external turmoil and internal emotional states, as well as the ways in which individuals navigate and cope with fear and uncertainty.