Quotation by
Nathaniel Hawthorne
In our nature, however, there is a provision, alike marvelous and merciful, that the sufferer should never know the intensity of what he endures by its present torture, but chiefly by the pang that rankles after it.
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Understanding this quote AI Analysis
Hawthorne is saying that people are naturally protected from fully feeling the worst part of their pain while it is happening. Instead, the deepest hurt comes afterward, as a lingering emotional wound that stays with the sufferer.
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