“ There's no generosity without some sacrifice. ”
Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady (1881). copy citation
| Author | Henry James |
|---|---|
| Source | The Portrait of a Lady |
| Topic | sacrifice generosity selflessness |
| Date | 1881 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2833/2833-h/2833-h.htm |
Context
“her friend asked with no sign of wincing.
«You'll have obliged me greatly.»
«And what will be my reward?»
«Do you need a reward for an act of generosity?»
«Yes, when it involves a great sacrifice.»
«There's no generosity without some sacrifice. Men don't understand such things. If you make the sacrifice you'll have all my admiration.»
«I don't care a cent for your admiration—not one straw, with nothing to show for it. When will you marry me?” source
«You'll have obliged me greatly.»
«And what will be my reward?»
«Do you need a reward for an act of generosity?»
«Yes, when it involves a great sacrifice.»
«There's no generosity without some sacrifice. Men don't understand such things. If you make the sacrifice you'll have all my admiration.»
«I don't care a cent for your admiration—not one straw, with nothing to show for it. When will you marry me?” source
Meaning and analysis
