Meaning: The quote "We are talking now of summer evenings in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the time that I lived there so successfully disguised to myself as a child" is from the novel "A Death in the Family" by James Agee. This poignant and evocative quote captures the nostalgia and longing for the innocence of childhood, as well as the wistful recollection of a specific time and place.

James Agee, an American novelist, poet, and screenwriter, is best known for his autobiographical novel "A Death in the Family," which was published posthumously in 1957. The novel explores the impact of a sudden and tragic death on a family in Knoxville, Tennessee, during the 1915. Agee's prose is known for its lyrical and introspective quality, and this quote exemplifies his ability to transport readers to a specific moment in time and evoke a strong sense of place and emotion.

The mention of "summer evenings in Knoxville, Tennessee" sets the scene for a time of warmth, leisure, and nostalgia. Knoxville, a city in the southeastern United States, is known for its natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. By invoking this specific location, Agee immediately connects the reader to a sense of place and regional identity.

The phrase "successfully disguised to myself as a child" conveys a complex mix of emotions. It suggests a sense of innocence and naivety, as well as a longing to return to a time when the complexities of adulthood were not yet fully understood. Agee's use of language here is both introspective and self-reflective, as he grapples with the dual nature of memory and perception.

The quote also hints at the idea of personal mythology and the ways in which individuals construct their own narratives and identities. Agee's use of the word "disguised" implies a deliberate act of self-preservation or self-delusion, as if the speaker is protecting their inner child from the harsh realities of the world. This theme of self-perception and the construction of personal narratives is a recurring motif in Agee's work.

Overall, this quote from "A Death in the Family" captures the universal experience of longing for the simplicity and innocence of childhood, while also acknowledging the complexities of memory and self-perception. Agee's evocative prose and keen insight into human experience make this quote a powerful and enduring reflection on the passage of time and the enduring impact of place and memory.