Strong at the Broken Places

“If people bring so much courage to this world the world has to kill them to break them, so of course it kills them. The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry” p 226

This quote is taken from Henry’s stream of consciousness when he is lying with Catherine after they had reunited in Stresa. This powerful quote can be seen as foreshadowing: Henry has referred to Catherine as “very good”, “very gentle” and “very brave” in the past. From this point on it seems as though there is a dark presence following the couple. Earlier on in this scene, Henry is describing his feelings for Catherine. He is content, optimistic, and in love. However, throughout the passage his thoughts turn pessimistic as his life philosophies are revealed. Henry believes there is no hope for anyone in this world, no matter how good you are. He begins to take on the perspective of an existentialist: that human life is in no way complete and fully satisfying because of the suffering and losses that occur.