Gaze Quote by Max Beerbohm
““Our hero's unreasoning rage was fed by a not unreasonable jealousy. It was clear to him that Zuleika had forgotten his existence. To-day, as soon as he had killed her love, she had shown him how much less to her was his love than the crowd's. And now again it was only the crowd she cared for. He followed with his eyes her long slender figure as she threaded her way in and out of the crowd, sinuously, confidingly, producing a penny from one lad's elbow, a threepenny-bit from between another's neck and collar, half a crown from another's hair, and always repeating in that flute-like voice of hers: "Well, this is rather queer!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm, 1911
A man’s irrational jealousy fuels his rage, as he perceives a woman’s attention shifting from him to the crowd, leading to obsessive watching and resentment.
In simple terms: Jealousy makes him angry and obsessive.
Key Takeaway
Beware jealousy’s distortion of reality.
Themes
jealousy
obsession
unrequited love
social perception
pride
Mood
melancholic
irritated
reflective
Type
literary
character study
psychological
When to use this quote
- romantic rivalry
- public spaces
- unrequited affection
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
human behavior
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What does his jealousy reveal about his self‑worth?
- How might he redirect his focus constructively?
A Different Perspective
Jealousy may be rooted in deeper insecurity, not just the observed behavior.
