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A blaze of love and extinction, was better than a lantern glimmer of the same which should last long years.
Thomas Hardy
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Intense love, even if short-lived, is preferable to a faint and enduring love.

In this quote, Thomas Hardy expresses the idea that a passionate and consuming love, despite its impermanence, holds more value than a weak, flickering love that drags on for many years. The metaphor of a 'blaze' and a 'lantern' contrasts the vibrancy of genuine emotions against the dullness of prolonged mediocrity, suggesting that depth of feeling surpasses longevity in relationships.

Themes

LovePassionIntensityRelationshipsEmotion

In practice

Example use cases

During a wedding speech, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of passionate love.

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Quote by Thomas Hardy | QuoteProject