Archer Quote by Edith Wharton
“Archer was too intelligent to think that a young woman like Ellen Olenska would necessarily recoil from everything that reminded her of her past. She might believe herself wholly in revolt against it; but what had charmed her in it would still charm her even though it were against her will.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, 1920
A clever person may assume a woman will reject all reminders of her past, yet she can still be drawn to them despite her resistance.
In simple terms: Intelligent people misjudge how past influences affect us.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden attractions despite conscious resistance.
Themes
psychology
memory
resistance
attraction
identity
Mood
reflective
conflicted
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- Romantic relationships
- family dynamics
- personal growth
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
Freudian theory
cognitive dissonance
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- What past experiences do you resist yet still seek?
- How does conscious rebellion affect hidden desires?
A Different Perspective
People may consciously reject something but unconsciously seek it, complicating change.
