Jean Rhys Quote

Why did you make me want to live? Why did you do that to me?’‘Because I wished it. Isn't that enough?’‘Yes, it is enough. But if one day you didn't wish it. What should I do then? Suppose you took this happiness away when I wasn't looking …’‘And lose my own? Who’d be so foolish?’‘I am not used to happiness,’ she said. ‘It makes me afraid.’‘Never be afraid. Or if you are tell no one.’‘I understand. But trying does not help me.’‘What would?’ She did not answer that, then one night whispered, ‘If I could die. Now, when I am happy. Would you do that? You wouldn't have to kill me. Say die and I will die. You don’t believe me? Then try, try, say die and watch me die.

Jean Rhys

Why did you make me want to live? Why did you do that to me?’‘Because I wished it. Isn't that enough?’‘Yes, it is enough. But if one day you didn't wish it. What should I do then? Suppose you took this happiness away when I wasn't looking …’‘And lose my own? Who’d be so foolish?’‘I am not used to happiness,’ she said. ‘It makes me afraid.’‘Never be afraid. Or if you are tell no one.’‘I understand. But trying does not help me.’‘What would?’ She did not answer that, then one night whispered, ‘If I could die. Now, when I am happy. Would you do that? You wouldn't have to kill me. Say die and I will die. You don’t believe me? Then try, try, say die and watch me die.

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About Jean Rhys

Jean Rhys, ( REESS; born Ella Gwendoline Rees Williams; 24 August 1890 – 14 May 1979) was a British novelist who was born and grew up in the Caribbean island of Dominica. From the age of 16, she mainly resided in England, where she was sent for her education. She is best known for her novel Wide Sargasso Sea (1966), written as a prequel to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. In 1978, she was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her writing.