Cosette, in her seclusion, like Marius in his, was all…
““Cosette, in her seclusion, like Marius in his, was all ready to take fire. Destiny, with its mysterious and fatal patience, was slowly bringing these two beings near each other, fully charged and all languishing with the stormy electricities of passion,—these two souls which held love as two clouds hold lightning, and which were to meet and mingle in a glace like clouds in a flash. The power of a glance has been so much abused in love stories, that it has come to be disbelieved in. Few people dare now to say that two beings have fallen in love because they have looked at each other. Yet it is in this way that love begins, and in this way only. The rest is only the rest, and comes afterwards. Nothing is more real than these great shocks which two souls give each other in exchanging this spark. At that particular moment when Cosette unconsciously looked with this glance which so affected Marius, Marius had no suspicion that he also had a glance which affected Cosette.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Love ignites instantly between two people, a glance can spark a powerful, destiny‑shaping connection.
In simple terms: A single look can start deep love.
Key Takeaway
Notice and honor powerful, fleeting moments.
Themes
love
destiny
passion
connection
fate
Mood
intense
hopeful
romantic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- first meeting
- romantic confession
- unexpected attraction
- intense chemistry
Key Concepts
romanticism
psychology
electricity
spark
glance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize a genuine connection beyond the initial spark?
- Can a glance truly change lives?
A Different Perspective
Such moments may be romanticized and not reflect sustainable relationships.