Quotes With Meaning
Bathsheba loved Troy in the way that only self-reliant women love when they abandon their self-reliance. When a strong woman recklessly throws away her strength she is worse than a weak woman who has never any strength to throw away. One source of her inadequacy is the novelty of the occasion. She has never had practice in making the best of such a condition. Weakness is doubly weak by being new.
Bathsheba loved Troy in the way that only self-reliant women love when they abandon their self-reliance. When a strong woman recklessly throws away her strength she is worse than a weak woman who has never any strength to throw away. One source of her inadequacy is the novelty of the occasion. She has never had practice in making the best of such a condition. Weakness is doubly weak by being new.
This quote explores the complexities of love and self-reliance in women. It suggests that when a strong, independent woman falls in love, she may sometimes abandon her self-reliance, leading to a vulnerability that is particularly difficult for her. Hardy argues that this act of recklessness can make her feel weaker than those who have never had strength to begin with. The newness of this emotional state can exacerbate her feelings of inadequacy, as she lacks experience in navigating such situations. In essence, the quote highlights the tension between love and independence, illustrating how personal growth can be challenged by romantic feelings. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of maintaining one's sense of self, even in the face of love's complexities.