Summary
This quote suggests that, in the depths of despair, there is a sense of numbness or apathy. "Hopeless grief" refers to a state of deep sorrow where all hope seems lost. The phrase "passionless" implies an absence of intense emotions or enthusiasm. It implies that the overwhelming nature of grief can immobilize a person, leaving them without the capacity to experience any strong feelings. Thus, the quote suggests that when grief becomes all-consuming, it can subdue one's passions or zest for life.