Skip to content

Love Quote by Oscar Wilde

“When a man has once loved a woman, he will do anything for her except love her again.” quote by Oscar Wilde
Download Open image
“When a man has once loved a woman, he will do anything for her except love her again.”

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Play: A Woman of No Importance, 1893

A man who has loved deeply cannot love the same woman again, though he will still serve her in any other way.

In simple terms: He cannot love her again but will do everything else for her.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of love after loss.

Themes

love loss devotion

Mood

melancholy reflective

Type

literary observational

When to use this quote

  • relationship breakup
  • long‑term friendship
  • supporting a former lover

Key Concepts

unrequited love emotional attachment

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you separate care from romantic love?
  • How do you honor past love while moving forward?
A Different Perspective

He may still be emotionally attached, hindering new relationships.

2.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Oscar Wilde

Explore all 3,343 Oscar Wilde quotes

More Love quotes

Browse all 233,963 Love quotes