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He could not forget the touch of her arms around his neck…

“He could not forget the touch of her arms around his neck, impatiently felt as it had been at the time; but now the recollection of her clinging defence of him, seemed to thrill him through and through,—to melt away every resolution, all power of self-control, as if it were wax before a fire.” quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
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“He could not forget the touch of her arms around his neck, impatiently felt as it had been at the time; but now the recollection of her clinging defence of him, seemed to thrill him through and through,—to melt away every resolution, all power of self-control, as if it were wax before a fire.”

Elizabeth Gaskell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A memory of intimate affection overwhelms his self‑control, likened to wax melting before fire.

In simple terms: His love erodes his resolve.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how strong emotions can undermine discipline.

Themes

love memory self‑control passion

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • relationship conflict
  • personal decision making
  • self‑discipline challenges

Key Concepts

psychology emotional influence temptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance affection with rational choices?
  • Can love truly change one's character?
A Different Perspective

Intense feelings may be fleeting and not justify reckless actions.

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