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I felt that thread that had come between us, tugging…

“I felt that thread that had come between us, tugging, tugging at my heart - so hard, it hurt me. A hundred times I almost rose, almost went in to her; a hundred times I thought, Go to her! Why are you waiting? Go back to her side! But every time, I thought of what would happen if I did. I knew…” quote by Sarah Waters
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“I felt that thread that had come between us, tugging, tugging at my heart - so hard, it hurt me. A hundred times I almost rose, almost went in to her; a hundred times I thought, Go to her! Why are you waiting? Go back to her side! But every time, I thought of what would happen if I did. I knew that I couldn't lie beside her, without wanting to touch her. I couldn't have felt her breath upon my mouth, without wanting to kiss her. And I couldn't have kissed her, without wanting to save her.”

Sarah Waters

About This Quote

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

The narrator struggles with intense, conflicting desire and moral hesitation, fearing the consequences of acting on love.

In simple terms: Desire and fear clash, preventing action.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge feelings, consider consequences before acting.

Themes

desire conflict morality love

Mood

torn reflective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • romantic pursuit
  • personal decision
  • relationship tension

Key Concepts

psychology ethical dilemma passion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What holds you back from pursuing love?
  • How do you balance desire with moral duty?
A Different Perspective

Acting on desire may cause harm or loss.

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