I believe in that goodly mansion, his heart, he kept one…
““I believe in that goodly mansion, his heart, he kept one little place under the skylights where Lucy might have entertainment, if she chose to call. It was not so handsome as the chambers where he lodged his male friends; it was not like the hall where he accommodated his philanthropy, or the library where he treasured his science, still less did it resemble the pavilion where his marriage feast was splendidly spread; yet, gradually, by long and equal kindness, he proved to me that he kept one little closet, over the door of which was written " Lucy's Room." I kept a place for him, too—a place of which I never took the measure, either by rule or compass: I think it was like the tent of Peri-Banou. All my life long I carried it folded in the hollow of my hand—yet, released from that hold and constriction, I know not but its innate capacity for expanse might have magnified it into a tabernacle for a host.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator describes a private, intimate space reserved for Lucy, symbolizing a secret sanctuary amid grander, public rooms, reflecting personal devotion and hidden depth.
In simple terms: A small, hidden room represents a private, cherished place for Lucy.
Key Takeaway
Value personal, intimate spaces alongside public grandeur.
Themes
love
secrecy
personal space
devotion
symbolism
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
literary
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
intimacy
sanctuary
hidden meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “Lucy’s Room” symbolize for you?
- How do private spaces shape identity?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may be overly ornate for modern readers.