Arms Quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“When Eleanor's arm touched his he felt his hands grow cold with deadly fear lest he should lose the shadow brush with which his imagination was painting wonders of her. He watched her from the corners of his eyes as ever he did when he walked with her-- she was a feast and a folly and he wished it had been his destiny to sit forever on a haystack and see life through her green eyes.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Great Gatsby, 1925
He is overwhelmed by fear and awe when close to Eleanor, seeing her as both inspiration and danger.
In simple terms: Fear and fascination mix when love feels powerful.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when admiration becomes fear.
Themes
love
fear
inspiration
destiny
Mood
conflicted
intense
Type
literary
romantic
When to use this quote
- romantic pursuit
- creative inspiration
- personal insecurity
Key Concepts
Romantic idealism
psychological tension
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you let fear dictate how you view love?
- How can admiration become a source of dread?
A Different Perspective
His fear may blind him to genuine connection.
