“ There was a long hard time when I kept far from me the remembrance of what I had thrown away when I was quite ignorant of its worth. But since my duty has not been incompatible with the admission of that remembrance, I have given it a place in my heart. ”
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations (1861). copy citation
| Author | Charles Dickens |
|---|---|
| Source | Great Expectations |
| Topic | regret memory worth |
| Date | 1861 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1400/1400-h/1400-h.htm |
Context
“«And do well, I am sure?»
«I work pretty hard for a sufficient living, and therefore—yes, I do well.»
«I have often thought of you,» said Estella.
«Have you?»
«Of late, very often. There was a long hard time when I kept far from me the remembrance of what I had thrown away when I was quite ignorant of its worth. But since my duty has not been incompatible with the admission of that remembrance, I have given it a place in my heart.»
«You have always held your place in my heart,» I answered.
And we were silent again until she spoke.
«I little thought,» said Estella, «that I should take leave of you in taking leave of this spot.” source
«I work pretty hard for a sufficient living, and therefore—yes, I do well.»
«I have often thought of you,» said Estella.
«Have you?»
«Of late, very often. There was a long hard time when I kept far from me the remembrance of what I had thrown away when I was quite ignorant of its worth. But since my duty has not been incompatible with the admission of that remembrance, I have given it a place in my heart.»
«You have always held your place in my heart,» I answered.
And we were silent again until she spoke.
«I little thought,» said Estella, «that I should take leave of you in taking leave of this spot.” source
Meaning and analysis
