And one may ask what is the good of a love that must…
““And one may ask what is the good of a love that must constantly be spied on, and what is the worth of a love that needs to be guarded so intensely? But that is something the truly jealous will never understand, though at the same time there happen, indeed, to be lofty hearts among them. It is also remarkable that these same lofty-hearted men, while standing in some closet, eavesdropping and spying, though they understand clearly ‘in their lofty hearts’ all the shame they have gotten into of their own will, nevertheless, at least for the moment, while standing in that closet, will not feel any pangs of remorse. Mitya’s jealousy disappeared at the sight of Grushenka, and for a moment he became trustful and noble, and even despised himself for his bad feelings. But this meant only that his love for this woman consisted of something much higher than he himself supposed, and not in passion alone, not merely in that “curve of the body” he had explained to Alyosha. But when Grushenka disappeared, Mitya at once began to suspect in her all the baseness and perfidy of betrayal. And for that he felt no pangs of remorse.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jealousy blinds love, turning it into surveillance and suspicion, yet moments of trust reveal a higher, noble affection beyond mere passion.
In simple terms: Jealousy distorts love, but trust can reveal deeper affection.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when jealousy is masking deeper love.
Themes
jealousy
love
trust
morality
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- marriage
- friendship
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does jealousy change your perception of love?
- Can trust coexist with jealousy?
A Different Perspective
Jealousy can become self‑destructive if unchecked.