Great expectations Quote by Elena Ferrante
““school. At first I had great expectations, and even if I didn’t say so clearly to myself I was glad to be there with Gigliola Spagnuolo rather than with Lila. In some very secret part of myself I looked forward to a school where she would never enter, where, in her absence, I would be the best student, and which I would sometimes tell her about, boasting. But immediately I began to falter, many of the others proved to be better than me. I ended up with Gigliola in a kind””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unknown, likely from a contemporary Italian literary work
A student envies a rival, hoping to outshine her in her absence, but faces unexpected competition.
In simple terms: Envy and rivalry in school.
Key Takeaway
Focus on personal growth rather than comparison.
Themes
education
jealousy
competition
self‑esteem
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
psychological
When to use this quote
- classroom
- academic performance
- peer relationships
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
social comparison
identity formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does comparing yourself to others affect motivation?
- Can you find value in collaboration over competition?
A Different Perspective
Success may not bring satisfaction if driven by spite.
