So now begins the first war with Cordelia' in which I…
““So now begins the first war with Cordelia' in which I retreat and thereby teach her to be victorious as she pursues me. I continually fall back, and in this backward movement I teach her to know through me all the powers of erotic love, its turbulent thoughts' its passion, what longing is, and hope, and impatient expectancy. As I perform this set of steps before her' all this will correspondingly in her' It is a triumphant procession in which I am leading her, and I myself am just as much the one who dithyrambically sings praises to her victory as I am the one who shows the way. She will gain courage to believe in erotic love, to believe it is an etemal force, when she sees its dominion over me, sees my movements. She will believe me, partly because I rely on my artistry, and partly because at the bottom of what I am doing there is truth. If that were not the case, she would not believe me. With my every move, she becomes stronger and stronger; love is awakening in her soul; she is being enthroned in her meaning as a woman””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Through retreating, a lover teaches the other about the depths of erotic love, transforming both.
In simple terms: Love grows through surrender and mutual learning.
Key Takeaway
Embrace vulnerability to deepen connection.
Themes
love
growth
eroticism
teaching
transformation
Mood
intense
hopeful
Type
philosophical
romantic
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- therapy
- artistic collaboration
Key Concepts
existential intimacy
self‑sacrifice
spiritual awakening
Questions to Reflect On
- How does retreat foster intimacy?
- What risks arise in such surrender?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize power dynamics in love.