Chopping about is merely an exhaustive process. But a
permanent relation between a man and a woman isn't the last word--it
certainly isn't.'
'Quite,' said Gerald.
'In fact,' said Birkin, 'because the relation between man and woman is
made the supreme and exclusive relationship, that's where all the
tightness and meanness and insufficiency comes in.'
'Yes, I believe you,' said Gerald.
'You've got to take down the love-and-marriage ideal from its pedestal.
We want something broader. I believe in the ADDITIONAL perfect
relationship between man and man--additional to marriage.'
'I can never see how they can be the same,' said Gerald.
'Not the same--but equally important, equally creative, equally sacred,
if you like.'
'I know,' said Gerald, 'you believe something like that. Only I can't
FEEL it, you see.' He put his hand on Birkin's arm, with a sort of
deprecating affection. And he smiled as if triumphantly.
He was ready to be doomed. Marriage was like a doom to him. He was
willing to condemn himself in marriage, to become like a convict
condemned to the mines of the underworld, living no life in the sun,
but having a dreadful subterranean activity.
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