He had known at the bottom of his heart that he would see…
““He had known at the bottom of his heart that he would see her here today. But to keep his thoughts free, he had tried to persuade himself that he did not know it. Now when he heard that she was here, he was suddenly conscious of such delight, and at the same time of such dread, that his breath failed him and he could not utter what he wanted to say.””
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 feels both joy and terror at encountering a loved one, fearing his own emotions may betray him.
In simple terms: Love can bring simultaneous delight and dread.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge feelings instead of denying them.
Themes
love
fear
inner conflict
honesty
Mood
anxious
hopeful
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- romantic encounter
- family reunion
- personal confession
- conflict avoidance
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional awareness
vulnerability
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions arise when you see someone you love?
- How does denying feelings affect relationships?
A Different Perspective
Denial may deepen anxiety and prevent genuine connection.