“ Oh, that gentleness! how far more potent is it than force! ”
Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre (16 October 1847). copy citation
| Author | Charlotte Brontë |
|---|---|
| Source | Jane Eyre |
| Topic | force gentleness |
| Date | 16 October 1847 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1260/1260-h/1260-h.htm |
Context
“Religion called—Angels beckoned—God commanded—life rolled together like a scroll—death's gates opening, showed eternity beyond: it seemed, that for safety and bliss there, all here might be sacrificed in a second. The dim room was full of visions.
«Could you decide now?» asked the missionary. The inquiry was put in gentle tones: he drew me to him as gently. Oh, that gentleness! how far more potent is it than force! I could resist St. John's wrath: I grew pliant as a reed under his kindness. Yet I knew all the time, if I yielded now, I should not the less be made to repent, some day, of my former rebellion. His nature was not changed by one hour of solemn prayer: it was only elevated.” source
«Could you decide now?» asked the missionary. The inquiry was put in gentle tones: he drew me to him as gently. Oh, that gentleness! how far more potent is it than force! I could resist St. John's wrath: I grew pliant as a reed under his kindness. Yet I knew all the time, if I yielded now, I should not the less be made to repent, some day, of my former rebellion. His nature was not changed by one hour of solemn prayer: it was only elevated.” source
Meaning and analysis
