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Do you know what friendship is?' he asked. 'Yes,' replied the gypsy; 'it is to be brother and sister; two souls which touch without mingling, two fingers on one hand.' 'And love?' pursued Gringoire. 'Oh! love!' said she, and her voice trembled, and her eye beamed. 'That is to be two and to be but one. A man and a woman mingled into one angel. It is heaven.
Victor Hugo
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Friendship is a deep connection between individuals, while love is a profound union that transcends individuality.

In this quote, Victor Hugo explores the concepts of friendship and love, highlighting their unique qualities. Friendship is depicted as a bond between two separate individuals who maintain their individuality, akin to two fingers on the same hand. Conversely, love is illustrated as a complete union where two souls become one, achieving an angelic state that represents ideal harmony and connection. This insightful distinction emphasizes the beauty of both relationships, each essential in its own right.

Themes

FriendshipLoveRelationshipUnionConnection

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared during a wedding speech to highlight the deep connection between partners.

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Forget not, never forget that you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man.... Jean Valjean, my brother: you belong no longer to evil, but to good. It is your soul that I am buying for you. I withdraw it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I give it to God!
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