I do not want to be relieved from any obligation,' said…
““I do not want to be relieved from any obligation,' said he, goaded by her calm manner. 'Fancied, or not fancied - I question not myself to know which - I choose to believe that I owe my very life to you - ay - smile, and think it an exaggeration if you will. I believe it, because it adds a value to that life to think - oh, Miss Hale!' continued he, lowering his voice to such a tender intensity of passion that she shivered and trembled before him, 'to think circumstance so wrought, that whenever I exult in existence henceforward, I may say to myself, "All this gladness in life, all honest pride in doing my work in the world, all this keen sense of being, I owe to her!" And it doubles the gladness, it makes the pride glow, it sharpens the sense of existence till I hardly know if it is pain or pleasure, to think that I owe it to one - nay, you must, you shall hear' - said he, stepping forwards with stern determination - 'to one whom I love, as I do not believe man ever loved woman before.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A man declares his profound gratitude and love, feeling his existence is enriched by the woman he loves, blurring joy and pain.
In simple terms: He feels his life’s meaning comes from loving a woman.
Key Takeaway
Recognize love’s power to transform purpose.
Themes
love
gratitude
existence
passion
identity
Mood
intense
hopeful
reflective
Type
literary
romantic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage proposals
- confessions of love
- personal epiphanies
- artistic expressions of devotion
Key Concepts
romanticism
self‑transcendence
emotional intensity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does love shape your sense of self?
- Can gratitude become a burden?
A Different Perspective
The intensity may idealize love, overlooking realistic relational challenges.