The Road (1954)

Giulietta Masina: Gelsomina

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Quotes 

• The Fool : If you won't stay with him, who will? I'm an ignorant man, but I've read a book or two. You may not believe it, but everything in this world has a purpose. Even this pebble, for example.

  Gelsomina : Which one?

  The Fool : This one. Any one. But even this one has a purpose.

  Gelsomina : What's its purpose?

  The Fool : Its purpose is - how should I know? If I knew, I'd be...

  Gelsomina : Who?

  The Fool : The Almighty, who knows everything. When you're born. When you die. Who knows? No, I don't know what this pebble's purpose is, but it must have one, because if this pebble has no purpose, then everything is pointless. Even the stars! At least, I think so. And you too. You have a purpose too.

• The Fool : Maybe he likes you?

  Gelsomina : Zampanò... likes me?

  The Fool : Why not? He's like a dog. Ever see those dogs who look like they want to speak, but all they do is bark?

• Gelsomina : The Fool is hurt.

• Gelsomina : Quiet flame, bright flame, quiet flame, night cries.

• Nun : Do you like traveling from one place to the next all the time?

  Gelsomina : That's how his work is.

  Nun : We travel around too. We change convents every two years. This is my second.

  Gelsomina : Why?

  Nun : So we don't get too attached to the things of this world. You grow fond of where you live, even of a a plant. You risk forgetting your most important attachment, which is to God. So you see, we both travel. You follow your husband and I follow mine.

• Gelsomina : Where are you from?

  Zampanò : My hometown.

  Gelsomina : You don't talk like us. Where were you born?

  Zampanò : My father's house.

• Gelsomina : Do you remember how beautiful it was, Zampanò? Watching the rain from the window that day?

• Gelsomina : You're one of those men who runs around with women.

  Zampanò : What?

  Gelsomina : Who runs around with women.

  Zampanò : If you want to stay with me, you've got to learn one thing - to keep your mouth shut!