At first I did not love you, Jude; that I own. When I…
““At first I did not love you, Jude; that I own. When I first knew you I merely wanted you to love me. I did not exactly flirt with you; but that inborn craving which undermines some women's morals almost more than unbridled passion--the craving to attract and captivate, regardless of the injury it may do the man--was in me; and when I found I had caught you, I was frightened. And then--I don't know how it was-- I couldn't bear to let you go--possibly to Arabella again--and so I got to love you, Jude. But you see, however fondly it ended, it began in the selfish and cruel wish to make your heart ache for me without letting mine ache for you.””
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 confesses a selfish, manipulative love that causes mutual pain, revealing how desire can corrupt moral judgment.
In simple terms: Love is twisted by selfishness and cruelty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and curb harmful romantic motives.
Themes
love
selfishness
morality
Mood
tragic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- romantic pursuit
- ethical dilemmas
- personal confession
Key Concepts
manipulation
emotional conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the narrator's cruel desire?
- Can love be pure without selfish motives?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest may destroy genuine connection.