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Adoration Quote by James Joyce

“I did not know whether I would ever speak to her or not or, if I spoke to her, how I could tell her of my confused adoration. But my body was like a harp and her words and gestures were like fingers running upon the wires.” quote by James Joyce
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“I did not know whether I would ever speak to her or not or, if I spoke to her, how I could tell her of my confused adoration. But my body was like a harp and her words and gestures were like fingers running upon the wires.”

James Joyce

About This Quote

Source Novel: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, 1916

The narrator feels confused adoration, describing his body as a harp and her words as fingers on wires, illustrating intense emotional resonance.

In simple terms: He feels confused love, likening his body to a harp.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and explore complex feelings.

Themes

love confusion sensory metaphor

Mood

poetic introspective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • relationship counseling
  • self‑reflection journals

Key Concepts

emotional intensity artistic expression romantic longing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does metaphor shape your perception of love?
  • What steps can you take to clarify confusing emotions?
A Different Perspective

Romantic idealization may obscure reality.

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