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Another's wife is a white swan, and ours is bitter wormwood.

“Another's wife is a white swan, and ours is bitter wormwood.” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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““Another's wife is a white swan, and ours is bitter wormwood.””

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

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

A metaphor comparing another's wife to a pure swan and one's own to bitter wormwood, highlighting envy and dissatisfaction.

In simple terms: Comparing others' partners to beauty and one's own to bitterness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address personal dissatisfaction.

Themes

envy relationships self‑esteem

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • marriage counseling
  • self‑help
  • friendship
  • career choices

Key Concepts

metaphor literary criticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes you view others' relationships as superior?
  • How can you appreciate your own partnership?
A Different Perspective

Comparison can breed resentment and distortion.

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