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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…” quote by Charlotte Bronte
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““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.””

Charlotte Bronte

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.

Key Takeaway

Balance desire with moral responsibility.

Themes

desire morality fulfillment

Mood

reflective philosophical

Type

literary contemplative

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • career choices
  • artistic pursuits
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

temptation consequence self‑control

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you prioritize short‑term pleasure over long‑term values?
  • What costs accompany unchecked desire?
A Different Perspective

Pleasure can be fleeting and lead to regret.

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