"We can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them."

This novel traces the lives of 2 siblings ~ Maggie + Tom Tulliver ~ growing up on a 19th-century river estate. Maggie {who shares much in common with her creator} is considered to be one of the great heroines of Victorian literature.

This quote is drawn from a debate between Maggie and her friend Philip. She believes it's best to be contented with your lot in life and not lament all the things your will is unable to achieve in the face of destiny; he is willing to be discontented in order to keep striving after the things he wants, even if they're ultimately unattainable.

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