The second brother, Seriosha, had dark curly hair, a…
““The second brother, Seriosha, had dark curly hair, a turned-up, strongly pronounced nose, very bright red lips (which, never being quite shut, showed a row of white teeth), beautiful dark-blue eyes, and an uncommonly bold expression of face. He never smiled but was either wholly serious or laughing a clear, merry, agreeable laugh. His striking good looks had captivated me from the first, and I felt an irresistible attraction towards him. Only to see him filled me with pleasure, and at one time my whole mental faculties used to be concentrated in the wish that I might do so. If three or four days passed without my seeing him I felt listless and ready to cry. Awake or asleep, I was forever dreaming of him. On going to bed I used to see him in my dreams, and when I had shut my eyes and called up a picture of him I hugged the vision as my choicest delight. So much store did I set upon this feeling for my friend that I never mentioned it to any one. Nevertheless, it must have annoyed him to see my admiring eyes constantly fixed upon him, or else he must have felt no reciprocal attraction, for he always preferred to play and talk with Woloda.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A narrator describes an intense, obsessive attraction to a friend, mixing admiration, longing, and emotional turmoil.
In simple terms: Obsessive admiration for a friend.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage intense infatuations.
Themes
love
obsession
friendship
Mood
melancholic
intense
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- creative writing
- self‑reflection
- emotional health
Key Concepts
psychology
unrequited affection
Questions to Reflect On
- What boundaries are needed in intense admiration?
- How can one channel such feelings productively?
A Different Perspective
The description may romanticize unhealthy fixation.