“Will gave a short, disbelieving laugh. "It's true," he said. "I am no hero.""No," Tessa said. "You are a person, just like me." His eyes searched her face, mystified; she held his hand tighter, lacing her fingers with his. "Don't you see, Will? You're a person like me. You are like me. You say the things I think but never say out loud. You read the books I read. You love the poetry I love. You make me laugh with your ridiculous songs and the way you see the truth of everything. I feel like you can look inside me and see all the places I am odd or unusual and fit your heart around them. For you are odd and unusual in the same way." With the hand that was not holding his, she touched his cheek, lightly. "We are the same." Will's eyes fluttered closed; she felt his lashes against her fingertips. When he spoke again, his voice was ragged but controlled. "Don't say those things, Tessa. Don't say them.""Why not?""You said I am a good man," he said. "But I am not that good a man. And I am—I am catastrophically in love with you.”
Explore This Quote Further
Romantic Declaration
“Will gave a short, disbelieving laugh. "It's true," he said. "I am no hero."
"No," Tessa said. "You are a person, just like me." His eyes searched her face, mystified; she held his hand tighter, lacing her fingers with his. "Don't you see, Will? You're a person like me. You are like me. You say the things I think but never say out loud. You read the books I read. You love the poetry I love. You make me laugh with your ridiculous songs and the way you see the truth of everything. I feel like you can look inside me and see all the places I am odd or unusual and fit your heart around them. For you are odd and unusual in the same way." With the hand that was not holding his, she touched his cheek, lightly. "We are the same." Will's eyes fluttered closed; she felt his lashes against her fingertips. When he spoke again, his voice was ragged but controlled. "Don't say those things, Tessa. Don't say them."
"Why not?"
"You said I am a good man," he said. "But I am not that good a man. And I am—I am catastrophically in love with you.” - Cassandra Clare"
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Cassandra Clare's novel, "Clockwork Princess," Tessa reassures Will that he is not defined by his perceived flaws or shortcomings, but rather by their shared experiences and connection as individuals. Tessa sees Will as someone who understands her deeply and accepts her for who she is, flaws and all. Will, in turn, is overwhelmed by his feelings for Tessa and struggles to accept her admiration and love for him, feeling unworthy of her affection. This quote highlights the power of acceptance and understanding in relationships, showing that true connection is based on recognizing and embracing each other's imperfections.
Modern Relevance
In this heartwarming and intimate conversation between Will and Tessa from Cassandra Clare's novel, their deep connection and acceptance of each other's flaws resonate with readers in a profound way. The idea of finding someone who understands and loves you for who you truly are is a timeless and universal theme that continues to be relevant in modern relationships.
The exchange between Will and Tessa highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability and recognizing that being flawed or imperfect does not diminish one's worth or capacity for love. This message serves as a reminder that true connection is based on acceptance, mutual understanding, and genuine affection, rather than perfection or heroism. In a world that often celebrates outward success and idealized versions of love, this scene reminds readers of the beauty and power of authentic, imperfect relationships built on honesty, empathy, and acceptance.
Reflection Questions:
Take a moment to reflect on the powerful passage from Cassandra Clare's work. Consider the following questions:
- How does Tessa's view of Will as a person, rather than a hero, impact their relationship?
- In what ways do Tessa and Will see each other as mirrors of themselves?
- How does Tessa's vulnerability in expressing her feelings towards Will contrast with his reluctance to accept them?
- What do you think Will's declaration of love reveals about his character and internal struggles?
- How does Tessa's acceptance and understanding of Will challenge his self-perception?
This passage delves into complex emotions and the intricacies of human connection. Take your time to ponder these questions and explore the depths of the characters' feelings.
Similar quotes
“I feel like you can look inside me and see all the places I am odd or unusual and fit your heart around them, for you are odd and unusual in just the same way. We are the same.”
“I am stronger when Tessa is here, you see. I told it to you," said Jem, still in the same soft voice.At that, Will did duck his head so that Tessa could not see his eyes. "I see it," he said.”
“I need to know you believe me when I say I love you. That is all.""I believe everything you say," Tessa said with a smile, her hands creeping doen from his waist to his weapons belt. Her fingers closed on the hilt of the dagger, and she yanked it from the belt, smiling as he looked down at her in surprise. "After all," she said, "you weren't lying about the tattoo of the dragon of Wales, were you?”
“It's too late," she said."Don't say that." His voice was half a whisper. "I love you, Tessa. I love you.”
“Tessa exploded "I am not asking you to maul me in the Whispering Gallery! By the Angel, Will, would you stop being so polite?!"He looked at her in amazement. "But wouldn't you rather-""I would not rather. I don't want you to be polite! I want you to be Will! I don't want you to indicate points of architectural interest to me as if you were a Baedecker guide! I want you to say dreadfully mad, funny things, and make up songs and be-" The Will I fell in love with, she almost said. "And be Will," she finished instead. "Or I shall strike you with my umbrella.""I am trying to court you," Will said in exasperation. "Court you properly. That's what all this has been about. You know that, don't you?""Mr. Rochester never courted Jane Eyre," Tessa pointed out."No, he dressed up as a woman and terrified the poor girl out of her wits. Is that what you want?""You would make a very ugly woman.""I would not. I would be stunning."Tessa laughed. "There," she said. "There is Will. Isn't that better? Don't you think so?""I don't know," Will said, eyeing her. I'm afraid to answer that. I've heard that when I speak, it makes American women wish to strike me with umbrellas."Tessa laughed again, and then they were both laughing, their smothered giggles bouncing off the walls of the Whispering Gallery. After that, things were decidedly easier between them, and Will's smile when he helped her down from the carriage on their return home, was bright and real.”
“I should have known what you would do,” Jem said in a low voice. “I always know what you will do. I should have known you would put your hands into the fire.”“And I should have known you would throw that packet away,” said Will, without rancor. “It was—it was a madly noble thing to do. I understand why you did it.”“I was thinking of Tessa.” Jem drew his knees up and rested his chin on them, then laughed softly. “Madly noble. Isn’t that meant to be your area of expertise? Suddenly I am the one who does ridiculous things and you tell me to stop?”“God,” said Will. “When did we change places?”The firelight played over Jem’s face and hair as he shook his head. “It is a very strange thing, to be in love,” he said. “It changes you.”Will looked down at Jem, and what he felt, more than jealousy, more than anything else, was a wistful desire to commiserate with his best friend, to speak of the feelings he held in his heart. For were they not the same feelings? Did they not love the same way, the same person? But, “I wish you wouldn’t risk yourself,” was all he said.Jem stood up. “I have always wished that about you.”Will raised his eyes, so drowsy with sleep and the tiredness that came with healing runes that he could see Jem only as a haloed figure of light. “Are you going?”“Yes, to sleep.” Jem touched his fingers lightly to Will’s healing hands. “Let yourself rest, Will.”