Creativity Quote by Edith Wharton
““Undine was fiercely independent and yet passionately imitative. She wanted to surprise every one by her dash and originality, but she could not help modelling herself on the last person she met, and the confusion of ideals thus produced caused her much perturbation when she had to choose between two courses.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, 1905
Undine’s strong self‑reliance clashes with her habit of copying others, leading to inner conflict when forced to choose between paths.
In simple terms: She is independent but imitates, causing turmoil when deciding.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and balance independence with healthy influence.
Themes
identity
conflict
imitation
choice
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- relationships
- creative projects
- personal growth
Key Concepts
self‑concept
social modeling
psychological tension
Questions to Reflect On
- How does imitation affect your sense of self?
- When does copying become a strength?
A Different Perspective
Her imitation may stem from a desire for acceptance, not weakness.
