Better Quote by Charlotte Bronte
““Which is better? - To have surrendered to temptation; listened to passion; made no painful effort - no struggled; - but to have sunk down in the silken snare; fallen asleep on the flower covering it; wakened in a southern clime, amongst the luxuries of a pleasure villa: to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester's mistress; delirious with his love half my time - for he would - oh, yes, he would have love me well for a while.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, 1847
The passage juxtaposes indulgent pleasure with moral struggle, questioning true fulfillment.
In simple terms: Pleasure versus effort in seeking fulfillment.
Balance desire with moral responsibility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- career choices
- artistic pursuits
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize short‑term pleasure over long‑term values?
- What costs accompany unchecked desire?
Pleasure can be fleeting and lead to regret.