Compassion Quote by Edith Wharton
““Lily had no heart to lean on. Her relation with her aunt was as superficial as that of chance lodgers who pass on the stairs. But even had the two been in closer contact, it was impossible to think of Mrs. Peniston's mind as offering shelter or comprehension to such misery as Lily's. As the pain that can be told is but half a pain, so the pity that questions has little healing in its touch. What Lily craved was the darkness made by enfolding arms, the silence which is not solitutde, but compassion holding its breath.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, 1905
A young woman feels isolated, craving deep, compassionate connection that her superficial relationships cannot provide.
In simple terms: Lily longs for true compassion, not just superficial ties.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine emotional support.
Themes
loneliness
compassion
family
misery
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- seeking comfort
- confiding in trusted friend
- therapy
- journaling
Key Concepts
emotional isolation
unmet needs
psychological pain
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one find true compassion when family is distant?
- What steps can create deeper connections?
A Different Perspective
Superficial relationships may never fulfill deep emotional needs.
