The quote "Mine, mine. Fear, idolatry, hoarding. The delight and terror of the fetishist" from Donna Tartt's novel "The Goldfinch" explores complex emotions associated with possession and attachment. It highlights the dual nature of desire, where the thrill of ownership is intertwined with anxiety and reverence. This reflects the obsession that can accompany a deep yearning for beauty or significance in life.

The interplay of fear and devotion underscores how attachment can lead to both joy and suffering. In "The Goldfinch," characters grapple with their obsessions, revealing the darker sides of valuing materiality or art. Ultimately, Tartt prompts a reflection on what it means to desire, possess, and possibly lose that which we cherish.