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Heart Quote by Sarah Waters

“I felt that thread that had come between us, tugging, tugging at my heart - so hard, it hurt me. A hundred times I almost rose, almost went in to her; a hundred times I thought, Go to her! Why are you waiting? Go back to her side! But every time, I thought of what would happen if I did. I knew…” quote by Sarah Waters
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“I felt that thread that had come between us, tugging, tugging at my heart - so hard, it hurt me. A hundred times I almost rose, almost went in to her; a hundred times I thought, Go to her! Why are you waiting? Go back to her side! But every time, I thought of what would happen if I did. I knew that I couldn't lie beside her, without wanting to touch her. I couldn't have felt her breath upon my mouth, without wanting to kiss her. And I couldn't have kissed her, without wanting to save her.”

Sarah Waters

About This Quote

Source Novel: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, 2002

The narrator struggles with intense, conflicting desire and moral hesitation, fearing the consequences of acting on love.

In simple terms: Desire and fear clash, preventing action.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge feelings, consider consequences before acting.

Themes

desire conflict morality love

Mood

torn reflective

Type

literary emotional

When to use this quote

  • romantic pursuit
  • personal decision
  • relationship tension

Key Concepts

psychology ethical dilemma passion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What holds you back from pursuing love?
  • How do you balance desire with moral duty?
A Different Perspective

Acting on desire may cause harm or loss.

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