She was now afraid to yield to passion, and because she…
““She was now afraid to yield to passion, and because she could not yield to the larger impulses it became essential also to not yield to the small ones, even if her adversary were in the right. She was living on a plane of war. The bigger resistance to the flow of life became one with the smaller resistance to the will of others, and the smallest issue became equal to the ultimate one. The pleasure of yielding on a level of passion being unknown to her, the pleasure of yielding on other levels became equally impossible. She denied herself all the sources of feminine pleasure: of being invaded, of being conquered. In war, conquest was imperative. No approach from the enemy could be interpreted as anything but a threat. She could not see that the real issue of the war was a defense of her being against the invasion of passion. Her enemy was the lover who might possess her. All her intensity was poured into the small battles; to win in the choice of a restaurant, of a movie, of visitors, in opinions, in analysis of people, to win in all the small rivalries through an evening.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She battles internal conflict, equating small personal choices with larger existential struggles, leading to a warlike stance that blocks authentic pleasure.
In simple terms: She treats minor decisions as battles, preventing true intimacy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and release minor conflicts to allow deeper connection.
Themes
conflict
intimacy
control
self‑sabotage
Mood
introspective
melancholic
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- dating
- career decisions
- personal boundaries
- emotional health
Key Concepts
psychology
feminist thought
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What small “battles” dominate your daily life?
- How might letting go of control improve intimacy?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on trivial battles can intensify anxiety and isolation.