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Electric light Quote by Marcel Allain

“What can I be thinking of? Just imagine my not having presented myself to you even yet! But as a matter of fact I do not want to tell you my name out loud; it is a romantic one, utterly inappropriate to the typically modern environment in which we now stand. Ah, if we were only on the steep side…” quote by Marcel Allain
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““What can I be thinking of? Just imagine my not having presented myself to you even yet! But as a matter of fact I do not want to tell you my name out loud; it is a romantic one, utterly inappropriate to the typically modern environment in which we now stand. Ah, if we were only on the steep side of some mountain with the moon like a great lamp above us, or by the shore of some wild ocean, there would be some glamour in proclaiming my identity in the silence of the night, or in the midst of lightning and thunder as a hurricane swept the seas! But here in a third-floor suite of the Royal Palace Hotel, surrounded by telephones and electric lights, and standing by a window overlooking the Champs Elysees-> it would be positively anachronistic!" He took a card out of his pocket and drew near the little writing desk. "Allow me, Princess, to slip my card into this drawer, left open on purpose, it would seem," and while the princess uttered a little cry she could not repress, he did just that. "And now, Princess," he went on, compelling her to retreat before him as he moved to the door of the anteroom opening on to the corridor, "you are too well bred, I am sure, not to wish to conduct your visitor to the door of your suite." His tone altered abruptly, and in a deep imperious voice that made the princess quake he ordered her: "And now, not a word, not a cry, not a movement until I am outside, or I will kill you!””

Marcel Allain

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Lady of the Camellias (adapted), early 20th century French literature

A flamboyant, theatrical declaration of romance and danger, contrasting romantic idealism with modern, urban setting.

In simple terms: Romantic drama meets modern city life.

Key Takeaway

Embrace boldness, but beware of over‑dramatic threats.

Themes

romance drama modernity identity power danger

Mood

dramatic ironic tense

Type

literary dialogue character‑driven

When to use this quote

  • courtship rituals
  • high‑society gatherings
  • urban night scenes
  • dramatic confrontations

Key Concepts

theatricality social contrast identity performance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does setting influence the perception of romance?
  • When does theatricality become harmful?
A Different Perspective

The threat of violence undermines the romantic allure and may alienate the audience.

2.3 out of 5 (6 ratings)

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