And then last, but oh, so utterly first, came George…
““And then last, but oh, so utterly first, came George Eliot. It was in the days when her cult was at its height—thank heaven I never left her shrine!—and we used to wait outside Macmillan’s shop to seize the new instalments of Daniel Deronda. She came for a few minutes to my room, and I was almost senseless with excitement. I had just repapered my room with the newest thing in dolorous Morris papers. Some one must have called her attention to it, for I remember that she said in her shy, impressive way, “Your paper makes a beautiful background for your face.” The ecstasy was too much, and I knew no more.””
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 is overwhelmed with admiration and excitement upon receiving a personal compliment from a revered author, highlighting the intoxicating effect of validation from an idol.
In simple terms: A famous writer praised the speaker’s wallpaper, causing ecstatic joy.
Key Takeaway
Cherish moments of genuine praise.
Themes
admiration
excitement
validation
literary fandom
Mood
elated
nostalgic
introspective
Type
personal
celebratory
reflective
When to use this quote
- meeting a celebrated author
- receiving unexpected compliments
- decorating personal space
- literary gatherings
Key Concepts
celebration
personal validation
idolization
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you sustain confidence after the admiration fades?
- What does this moment reveal about your relationship to art?
A Different Perspective
The euphoria may be fleeting and based on external approval rather than intrinsic worth.