Skip to content

Twice Flush had done his utmost to kill his enemy; twice…

“Twice Flush had done his utmost to kill his enemy; twice he had failed. And why had he failed, he asked himself? Because he loved Miss Barrett. Looking up at her from under his eyebrows as she lay, severe and silent on the sofa, he knew that he must love her for ever. Things are not simple but…” quote by Virginia Woolf
Download Open image
“Twice Flush had done his utmost to kill his enemy; twice he had failed. And why had he failed, he asked himself? Because he loved Miss Barrett. Looking up at her from under his eyebrows as she lay, severe and silent on the sofa, he knew that he must love her for ever. Things are not simple but complex. If he bit Mr. Browning he bit her too. Hatred is not hatred; hatred is also love.”

Virginia Woolf

About This Quote

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

The passage explores how love and hatred intertwine, showing that intense emotions can be mutually inclusive and complex.

In simple terms: Love and hatred can coexist.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the complexity of strong feelings.

Themes

love conflict complexity

Mood

reflective conflicted

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • personal introspection
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology emotional duality interpersonal dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile love and hate?
  • Can one feeling transform into another?
A Different Perspective

Emotions are not always binary; they can be contradictory.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Virginia Woolf

Explore all 1,872 Virginia Woolf quotes

More Done quotes

Browse all 25,653 Done quotes