“Love is a possible strength in an actual weakness.”

“On the morning appointed for her departure Tess awoke before dawn at the marginal minute of the dark when the grove is still mute save for one prophetic bird, who sings with a clear-voiced convict...”

“Tess was awake before dawn at the marginal minute of the dark when the grove is still mute, save for one prophetic bird who sings with a clear-voiced conviction that he at least knows the correct ...”

“I know women are taught by other women that they must never admit the full truth to a man. But the highest form of affection is based on full sincerity on both sides. Not being men, these women don...”

“Happiness was but the occasional episode in a general drama of pain.”

“Like all people who have known rough times, light-heartedness seemed to her too irrational and inconsequent to be indulged in except as a reckless dram now and then; for she had been too early habi...”

“Human communication and literature are all made of words; thus, its hard to overestimate their unbelievable power.”

“Poetry is not a mere expression of a poet's self, but an enchantment, a spell of the muse, the inspiration. Poetry is thus magic and magic is poetry.”

“We're not made to wallow in pleasure. Pleasure is joy's assassin.”