Meaning: This quote by George Eliot encapsulates the profound sense of despair that can accompany one's first experience of great sorrow. The author, who was actually a woman named Mary Ann Evans, was known for her insightful and introspective writings that delved into the depths of human emotion and experience. In this particular quote, she captures the raw and overwhelming nature of initial sorrow, emphasizing the feeling of hopelessness that can accompany it.

The quote suggests that the despair experienced during the first moments of a significant loss or sorrow is unparalleled. It speaks to the deeply painful and disorienting nature of such an experience, particularly when it is entirely new and unfamiliar. Eliot conveys the idea that this initial despair is uniquely intense because it occurs before one has learned how to navigate suffering and find healing, before one has developed the resilience to move through despair and recover hope.

The first great sorrow mentioned in the quote could refer to a variety of experiences, such as the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, a personal failure, or any other profoundly impactful event that shakes one's sense of stability and security. It is a universal human experience to encounter such moments of intense sorrow, and Eliot's words resonate with anyone who has grappled with the overwhelming weight of grief or despair.

The quote also alludes to the transformative nature of suffering and healing. Eliot suggests that there is a process of learning and growth that occurs through the experience of despair and the subsequent journey toward hope and recovery. This process involves not only enduring the initial depths of sorrow but also finding a way to move forward, to heal, and to rediscover hope in the face of adversity.

It is worth noting that George Eliot's own life was marked by personal struggles and loss, which likely informed her understanding of the complexities of human sorrow. She experienced the death of her father at a young age and later grappled with profound grief following the loss of her life partner, George Henry Lewes. These experiences undoubtedly contributed to her nuanced and empathetic exploration of the human experience in her writing.

In conclusion, George Eliot's quote encapsulates the overwhelming nature of initial despair in the face of great sorrow. It speaks to the profound impact of such experiences and the unique intensity of the first moments of despair. Through her words, Eliot captures the rawness of grief and the transformative journey from despair to hope, offering a poignant reflection on the universal human experience of suffering and healing.