Giulietta Masina Quotes

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

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?

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 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!

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

Gelsomina Where are you from?

Zampanò My hometown.

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

Zampanò My father's house.