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Dear friend Quote by William Thackeray

“Have you ever had a difference with a dear friend? How his letters, written in the period of love and confidence, sicken and rebuke you! What a dreary mourning it is to dwell upon those vehement protests of dead affection! What lying epitaphs they make over the corpse of love! What dark, cruel…” quote by William Thackeray
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““Have you ever had a difference with a dear friend? How his letters, written in the period of love and confidence, sicken and rebuke you! What a dreary mourning it is to dwell upon those vehement protests of dead affection! What lying epitaphs they make over the corpse of love! What dark, cruel comments upon Life and Vanities! Most of us have got or written drawers full of them. They are closet-skeletons which we keep and shun””

William Thackeray

About This Quote

Source Novel: The History of Pendennis, 1850

The quote reflects on how past letters from a close friend can become painful reminders of lost love, turning cherished memories into haunting regrets.

In simple terms: Old love letters can become painful reminders.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and release painful memories.

Themes

regret memory friendship love loss

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • reading old correspondence
  • reflecting on past relationships
  • writing closure letters
  • therapy sessions
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

nostalgia psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you transform painful memories into personal growth?
  • What can you learn from revisiting old correspondence?
A Different Perspective

The quote may romanticize suffering, overlooking the value of growth from past experiences.

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