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I see that you are highly defensive." . . .Caro said, "I withhold my analysis of your own attitude.
Shirley Hazzard The Transit of Venus
by Shirley Hazzard
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In "The Transit of Venus" by Shirley Hazzard, a conversation reveals an individual's defensive nature. One character observes this defensiveness, highlighting a barrier in their communication. The acknowledgment of a defensive attitude suggests that emotions are at play and may complicate interactions.

Caro's response indicates a deliberate choice to refrain from analyzing the other person's attitude. This moment emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the complexities of interpersonal dynamics. By withholding judgment, Caro reflects a thoughtful approach, allowing space for introspection rather than confrontation.

I see that you are highly defensive.

Caro said, "I withhold my analysis of your own attitude."

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The Transit of Venus
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Shirley Hazzard
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Other quotes in The Transit of Venus

That alas is the way it goes; Something we must rectify. Paul, not Caro, would interpret the degree of meaning in their respective lots. That had been decided, as he sat speaking intimately of his life to the person most excluded from it - in order to readmit her to the intimacy, though not the life.
Shirley Hazzard The Transit of Venus
That alas is the way it goes; Something we must rectify. Paul, not Caro, would interpret the degree of meaning in their respective lots. That had been decided, as he sat speaking intimately of his life to the person most excluded from it - in order to readmit her to the intimacy, though not the life.
She was coming to look on men and women as fellow survivors; well-dissemblers of their woes, who, with few signals of grief, had contained, assimilated, or just put to use their own destruction. Of those who had endured the worst, not all behaved nobly or consistently. But all, involuntarily, became part of a deeper assertion to life. Though the dissolution of love created no heroes, the process itself required some heroism. There was the risk that endurance might appear enough of an achievement. That risk had come up before.
Shirley Hazzard The Transit of Venus
She was coming to look on men and women as fellow survivors; well-dissemblers of their woes, who, with few signals of grief, had contained, assimilated, or just put to use their own destruction. Of those who had endured the worst, not all behaved nobly or consistently. But all, involuntarily, became part of a deeper assertion to life. Though the dissolution of love created no heroes, the process itself required some heroism. There was the risk that endurance might appear enough of an achievement. That risk had come up before.
Caro sat without speaking, turning toward him her look that was neither sullen nor expectant but soberly attentive; and, once, a glance in which tenderness and apprehension were great and indivisible, giving unbearable, excessive immediacy to the living of these moments. Paul had seen that look before, when they first lay down together at the inn beyond Avebury Circle.
Shirley Hazzard The Transit of Venus
Caro sat without speaking, turning toward him her look that was neither sullen nor expectant but soberly attentive; and, once, a glance in which tenderness and apprehension were great and indivisible, giving unbearable, excessive immediacy to the living of these moments. Paul had seen that look before, when they first lay down together at the inn beyond Avebury Circle.
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Shirley Hazzard The Transit of Venus
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