Quotessence
Home / Authors / Henry James

Henry James Quotes

Author

Filter quotes by topic

AllHenry JamesThe Portrait Of A LadyThe Wings Of The DoveSadLoveRitratto Di SignoraRomanticDialogueDeclaration Of LoveLifeMorteDeathAmoreArtCharacterDyingHumorInspirationalBeautyFate

Famous Henry James Quotes

“Don't you know the soul is an immortal principle? How can it suffer alteration?" "I don't believe at all that it's an immortal principle. I believe it can perfectly be destroyed. That's what has happened to mine, which was a very good one to start with; and it's you I have to thank for it. You're very bad," she added with gravity in her emphasis.”

SoulDialogueDamageHenry JamesThe Portrait Of A LadyToxic Relationship
Book:The Portrait of a Lady
Create image

“They stood together a moment; both her hands were in both of his. 'You've been my best friend,' she said. 'It was for you that I wanted — that I wanted to live. But I'm of no use to you.' Then it came over her more poignantly that she should not see him again. She could not accept that; she could not part with him that way. 'If you should send for me I'd come,' she said at last. 'Your husband won't consent to that.' 'Oh yes, I can arrange it.' 'I shall keep that for my last pleasure!' said Ralph. In answer to which she simply kissed him.”

MovingDialogueKissGoodbyeBest FriendsPartingPoignantHenry JamesThe Portrait Of A Lady
Book:The Portrait of a Lady
Create image

“Satisfied to die in the flower of her youth?" "Well, at peace with you." "Oh, 'peace'!" he murmured with his eyes on the fire. "The peace of having loved." He raised his eyes to her. "Is that peace?" "Of having been loved," she went on. "That is. Of having," she wound up, "realised her passion. She wanted nothing more. She had had all she wanted.”

LoveDeathAcceptanceDialogueResignedHenry JamesThe Wings Of The Dove
Book:The Wings of the Dove
Create image