Copperfield Bringing Quote by Jane Bowles
““True enough,” said Mrs. Copperfield, bringing her fist down on the table and looking very mean. “I have gone to pieces, which is a thing I’ve wanted to do for years. I know I am as guilty as I can be, but I have my happiness, which I guard like a wolf, and I have authority now and a certain amount of daring, which, if you remember correctly, I never had before.””
About This Quote
A character acknowledges her self‑destruction and guilt, yet clings to personal happiness, newfound authority, and daring as protective assets.
In simple terms: Self‑destruction versus self‑preservation
Key Takeaway
Power and happiness can coexist with guilt
Themes
guilt
self‑empowerment
danger
identity
defiance
Mood
defiant
melancholic
tense
Type
dialogue
confessional
dramatic
When to use this quote
- confessional monologue
- dramatic confrontation
- inner turmoil
Key Concepts
personal agency
emotional conflict
protective instincts
Practical Applications
- character development
- psychological analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the character reconcile guilt with desire for power?
- What does the wolf metaphor reveal about her view of happiness?
