In "Women in Love," D.H. Lawrence explores the complex emotions tied to desire and possession. The quote underscores the paradoxical nature of longing—while desire drives individuals forward, the eventual attainment of what one longs for can be fraught with fear. This highlights a human tendency to cherish the journey of yearning, which can bring excitement and hope, in contrast to the often disappointing reality of fulfillment.
The interplay of desire and possession is central to the characters' experiences, illustrating how the pursuit of passion can be more appealing than its realization. The dread surrounding the end speaks to a deeper reluctance to commit to the finality of achieving dreams, suggesting that the pursuit itself is imbued with value and richness that ownership cannot replicate.