Quote by James Joyce
Sometimes he caught himself listening to the sound of his own voice. He thought that in her eyes he would ascent to an angelical stature; and, as he attached the fervent nature of his companion more and more closely to him, he heard the strange impersonal voice which he recognised as his own, insisting on the soul's incurable lonliness. We cannot give ourselves, it said: we are our own.
Summary
This quote suggests that the speaker finds himself captivated by the attention he receives from his companion. He believes that being in her presence elevates him to a higher, almost divine level. However, as he deepens his connection with her, he becomes aware of a voice within himself that acknowledges the inherent solitude of the soul. This voice reminds him that one cannot truly give themselves to others; they always retain their individuality and sense of self. Ultimately, it suggests an existential truth about the ongoing loneliness inherent to human existence.
By James Joyce
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