That old, cold time on the mountain when they owned the world and nothing seemed wrong

That old, cold time on the mountain when they owned the world and nothing seemed wrong

Annie Proulx is a master at capturing the essence of a time and place in her writing, and the phrase “That old, cold time on the mountain when they owned the world and nothing seemed wrong” perfectly encapsulates the feeling of nostalgia and longing that permeates much of her work. Proulx’s stories often revolve around characters who are deeply connected to the land and the natural world, and who find solace and meaning in the rugged beauty of the landscapes they inhabit.

In Proulx’s writing, the mountain is not just a physical location, but a symbol of the characters’ connection to the past and to a simpler way of life. The phrase “That old, cold time on the mountain” evokes a sense of timelessness and permanence, as if the characters’ memories and experiences are etched into the very rocks and trees of the landscape. The coldness of the mountain suggests a harsh and unforgiving environment, but also a purity and clarity that is lacking in the modern world.

The idea that “they owned the world and nothing seemed wrong” speaks to the characters’ sense of freedom and independence in this remote and wild place. In Proulx’s stories, the characters often live on the margins of society, eking out a living from the land and relying on their own resourcefulness and ingenuity to survive. In this harsh and unforgiving environment, they find a sense of purpose and meaning that is lacking in the modern world.

But this idyllic vision of the past is always tinged with a sense of loss and regret. Proulx’s characters are often haunted by the ghosts of their pasts, by the mistakes they have made and the opportunities they have missed. The phrase “That old, cold time on the mountain” suggests a longing for a simpler and more authentic way of life, a yearning for a time when the world seemed full of possibilities and nothing seemed wrong.