“You thought you’d never give up your vocation, a voice whispered inside me. You thought you’d never even consider it. But you’ve met the one man who could change your mind. He is your perfect complement. He is Cathal to your Clodagh; he is Bran to your Liadan. No wonder you conjured up those images. No wonder they make you weep.”
Explore This Quote Further
-
Working on it...
-
Working on it...
-
Working on it...
Quote Analysis
The quote from Juliet Marillier encapsulates the profound internal conflict experienced by a character who is faced with the possibility of abandoning their lifelong passion or vocation for love. It highlights the tension between duty and desire, suggesting that true connection can inspire us to reconsider our choices.
The phrase "You thought you’d never give up your vocation" signifies the strength of the character's resolve and commitment to their path. This sets the stage for the emotional journey that follows, suggesting that the character's identity is closely tied to their vocation. The "voice whispered inside me" introduces a personal and introspective element, indicating the character's struggle between their ingrained beliefs and the challenge posed by a new relationship.
The mention of "the one man who could change your mind" articulates the transformative power of love. The character's encounter with this individual brings about a pivotal moment of self-discovery. The subsequent comparison—"He is your perfect complement"—underscores the idea of compatibility and suggests that this new relationship has the potential to enhance rather than detract from the character's identity.
Marillier's allusions to "Cathal to your Clodagh" and "Bran to your Liadan" serve to deepen this analysis by evoking literary and mythological parallels. These references not only resonate with themes of love and partnership but also connect to a broader cultural narrative about sacrifice and unity in the face of personal aspirations. These pairings evoke a rich tapestry of emotional depth, conjuring images of legendary couples who faced similar dilemmas.
The final lines, "No wonder you conjured up those images. No wonder they make you weep," suggest a vulnerability within the character. The act of envisioning these powerful relationships indicates a longing for connection that disrupts their steadfast beliefs and stirs emotional turmoil. The tears signify both heartache and the potential for joy, highlighting that growth often comes with pain.
In conclusion, this quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of choosing between one's passion and the possibility of love, portraying a tender and poignant internal struggle that resonates universally.
Similar quotes
“Liadan," he said, staring intently at the ground."Yes," I whispered."Don't wed that man Eamonn. Tell him, if he takes you, he's a dead." --Bran”
“Bran held his voice level. "In time, you will regret these words. You may hold me captive now, and believe me helpless. But each foulword you speak of her brings your death a little closer."--Bran to Eamonn”
“What sort of man would you choose for yourself, Liadan?, he asked me. One who is trustworthy, and true to himself, I answered straightaway. One who speaks his mind without fear. One who can be a friend as well as a husband. I would be contented with that.”
“I told you once,” said Red, “that I wanted to hear your voice. I did not think the first words I would hear would be these.”“Those were not the first words,” I whispered, fighting tears. I would not weep.”
“I know how it feels, dear one. As if your heart were torn in two. I feel your pain.”I took a deep breath. Another.“Finbar?”“I know how it feels. As if you will never be whole again.”I reached inside my dress, where I wore two cords about my neck. One held my wedding ring; the other the amulet that had once been my mother’s. I left the one, and took off the other. “This is yours. Take it back. Take it back, it was to you she gave it.”I slipped the cord over his head, and the little carven stone with its ash tree sign lay on his breast. He had grown painfully thin.“Show me the other. The other talisman you wear.”Slowly I took out the carven ring, and lifted it on my palm for my brother to see.“He made this for you? Him with the golden hair, and the eyes that devour”?“Not him. Another.” Images were strong in my mind; Red with his arm around me like a shield; Red cutting up and apple; Red kicking a sword from a man’s hand, and catching it in his own; Red barefoot on the sand with the sea around his ankles.“You risked much, to give your love to such a one.”I stared at him. “Love?”“Did you not know, until now, when you must say goodbye?”
“I wept in self-pity, and because I knew you could never go back. You chose your path, and that was it.”