But something she yearned for by which her life might be filled with action at once rational and ardent; and since the time was gone by for guiding visions and spiritual directors, since prayer heightened yearning but not instruction, what lamp was there but knowledge? Surely learned men kept-the only oil; and who more learned than Mr. Casaubon? Thus
In this passage, the protagonist expresses a deep desire for a life filled with both rational thought and passionate action. She recognizes that the era of spiritual guidance and divinely inspired visions has passed, leaving her feeling unfulfilled. Prayer may intensify her longing, but it does not provide her with the direction she seeks.
She turns to the pursuit of knowledge as a means to fill the void in her life,...
