He no longer dreamed of storms, nor of women, nor of great occurrences, nor of great fish, nor fights, nor contests of strength, nor of his wife. He only dreamed of places now and the lions on the beach. They played like young cats in the dusk and he loved them as he loved the boy. He never dreamed about the boy. He simply woke, looked out the open door at the moon and unrolled his trousers and put them on.
Often a man wishes to be alone and a girl wishes to be alone too and if they love each other they are jealous of that in each other, but I can truly say we never felt that. We could feel alone when we were together, alone against the others. But we were never lonely and never afraid when we were together.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the complexity of love where two individuals can appreciate solitude while also feeling secure and connected together.
In this quote, Hemingway captures the intricate nature of love and companionship. He discusses how both partners in a relationship can experience a desire for solitude, yet this very desire does not breed jealousy or insecurity between them. Instead, their love allows them to thrive in each other's presence, feeling a sense of unity even when they seek individuality. This underscores a profound connection where love fosters both togetherness and personal space, leading to a bond that is strong and free of loneliness or fear.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a wedding speech to highlight the depth of love in a relationship.
More from Ernest Hemingway
All quotes →How did you go bankrupt?" Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.
When you have shot one bird flying you have shot all birds flying. They are all different and they fly in different ways but the sensation is the same and the last one is as good as the first.
There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other. We always returned to it no matter who we were or how it was changed or with what difficulties, or ease, it could be reached. Paris was always worth it and you received return for whatever you brought to it. But this is how Paris was in the early days when we were very poor and very happy.
Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.
There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.
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Now I can see how that can happen. You can fall in love with anybody--a fool, a criminal, a nothing. There are no good rules.
It was as if the empty nights were made for thinking of him. And sometimes I found myself so vividly aware of him it was as if he had only just left the room and the ring of his voice were still there. And somehow, there was a disturbing comfort in that, and, despite myself, I’d envision his face.
Each time anyone comes in contact with us, they must become different and better people because of having met us. We must radiate God's love.