Meaning: This quote by Sarah Orne Jewett captures the universal feeling of nostalgia and the bittersweet experience of returning to a familiar place after being away. The mention of the road being new, despite the familiarity of the surroundings, reflects the changes that occur within ourselves as we journey through life and then revisit our past. Jewett, an American novelist and short story writer, is known for her keen observations of New England life and her ability to evoke a sense of place and time in her writing.

In this quote, Jewett uses the metaphor of the road to convey the idea of returning to a place from the past. Roads, as a symbol, represent the journey of life, with its twists and turns, ups and downs, and the experiences we accumulate along the way. When we travel back along a road we once knew, it can feel both familiar and new at the same time. The sights and sounds might trigger memories and emotions, but our own personal growth and the passage of time have subtly transformed the experience.

The phrase "going back" suggests a deliberate act of retracing one's steps, whether physically or metaphorically. It implies a conscious effort to revisit a place, a time, or a state of mind that we have left behind. This act of going back can be filled with a mix of emotions – anticipation, apprehension, joy, or sadness – as we confront the changes that have occurred in the interim.

Jewett's use of the first-person perspective in the quote makes it relatable to anyone who has experienced the tug of nostalgia when returning to a place from their past. The road, in this context, becomes a powerful symbol of the journey of life and the passage of time. It represents the cyclical nature of existence, where we often find ourselves revisiting familiar territory, only to discover that we have changed and so has the world around us.

The quote also hints at the idea that the act of returning can offer new perspectives and insights. Even though the road may seem familiar, our renewed perception and changed circumstances can make it feel new. This encapsulates the essence of growth and personal evolution, as we navigate through life and encounter the familiar in a new light.

In summary, Sarah Orne Jewett's quote "The road was new to me, as roads always are, going back" beautifully captures the complexity of returning to a place from the past. Through the metaphor of the road, Jewett conveys the dual nature of such a journey – the familiarity of the surroundings juxtaposed with the sense of newness brought about by personal growth and the passage of time. The quote resonates with readers who have experienced the poignant mix of emotions that come with revisiting the past, making it a timeless reflection on the human experience.