Meaning: The quote "When you're away, I'm restless, lonely, Wretched, bored, dejected; only here's the rub, my darling dear, I feel the same when you're near." by Samuel Hoffenstein encapsulates the complex emotions of love and longing. Hoffenstein was an American screenwriter, playwright, and librettist known for his lyrical and often poignant writing. This particular quote reflects the paradoxical nature of human emotions, especially in the context of romantic relationships.

In the first part of the quote, the speaker expresses a range of negative emotions, such as restlessness, loneliness, wretchedness, boredom, and dejection, when their beloved is away. These emotions convey a sense of incompleteness and longing for the presence of the loved one. The use of these strong and evocative words effectively communicates the depth of the speaker's yearning and the impact of the absence of the beloved on their emotional state.

However, the quote takes a poignant turn with the line "only here's the rub, my darling dear, I feel the same when you're near." This unexpected twist reveals the complexity of the speaker's emotions. Despite experiencing a tumult of negative feelings in the absence of their beloved, the speaker paradoxically confesses to feeling the same even when the beloved is near. This juxtaposition of emotions challenges the conventional notion that physical proximity to a loved one alleviates all emotional distress. It suggests that even in the presence of the beloved, the speaker grapples with similar inner turmoil and emotional unrest.

The quote captures the intricate dynamics of human emotions within the context of love and relationships. It portrays the bittersweet reality that the presence or absence of a loved one does not necessarily dictate one's emotional state. Instead, the internal landscape of emotions remains complex and often contradictory, regardless of external factors.

Hoffenstein's eloquent expression of these conflicting emotions resonates with readers who have experienced the rollercoaster of love and longing. The quote serves as a poignant reminder that human emotions are multifaceted and defy simple categorization. It acknowledges the nuances of romantic relationships, where the yearning for closeness and intimacy can coexist with a sense of inner turmoil and emotional complexity.

In conclusion, Samuel Hoffenstein's quote masterfully encapsulates the paradoxical nature of human emotions in the context of love and longing. Through evocative language and a poignant twist, the quote conveys the complexity of the speaker's feelings, challenging conventional notions of emotional fulfillment in romantic relationships. It serves as a timeless reflection on the intricate and often contradictory nature of human emotions, leaving a lasting impact on those who encounter its heartfelt expression.