“ Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be. ”
Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina (1877). copy citation
| Author | Leo Tolstoy |
|---|---|
| Source | Anna Karenina |
| Topic | love emptiness respect cover |
| Date | 1877 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Constance Garnett |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1399/1399-h/1399-h.htm |
Context
“«How is it, though you boast of your straightforwardness, you don't tell the truth?»
«I never boast, and I never tell lies,» he said slowly, restraining his rising anger. «It's a great pity if you can't respect….»
«Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be. And if you don't love me any more, it would be better and more honest to say so.»
«No, this is becoming unbearable!» cried Vronsky, getting up from his chair; and stopping short, facing her, he said, speaking deliberately: «What do you try my patience for?»” source
«I never boast, and I never tell lies,» he said slowly, restraining his rising anger. «It's a great pity if you can't respect….»
«Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be. And if you don't love me any more, it would be better and more honest to say so.»
«No, this is becoming unbearable!» cried Vronsky, getting up from his chair; and stopping short, facing her, he said, speaking deliberately: «What do you try my patience for?»” source
Meaning and analysis
