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One word more. You look as if you thought it tainted you…

“One word more. You look as if you thought it tainted you to be loved by me. You cannot avoid it. Nay, I, if I would, cannot cleanse you from it. But I would not, if I could. I have never loved any woman before: my life has been too busy, my thoughts too much absorbed with other things. Now I love…” quote by Elizabeth Gaskell
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“One word more. You look as if you thought it tainted you to be loved by me. You cannot avoid it. Nay, I, if I would, cannot cleanse you from it. But I would not, if I could. I have never loved any woman before: my life has been too busy, my thoughts too much absorbed with other things. Now I love, and will love. But do not be afraid of too much expression on my part.”

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.

The speaker confesses love, acknowledging its power and his inability to protect the beloved from it, yet he accepts it.

In simple terms: Love is powerful and unavoidable.

Key Takeaway

Embrace love despite its risks.

Themes

love vulnerability acceptance

Mood

romantic introspective

Type

confessional emotional

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • self‑reflection
  • confession

Key Concepts

intimacy emotional conflict personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you accept love's impact on you?
  • What does it mean to love without control?
A Different Perspective

Love can be overwhelming and may cause fear.

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