The quote suggests that genuine, transformative love is not as common as one might think or hope. It implies that many people lead ordinary lives where grand passions are rare occurrences, much like how attending a grand opera would be an unusual event for most individuals.
Delving deeper into the quote’s essence reveals a commentary on societal norms and personal expectations. Israel Zangwill suggests that romantic love often gets idealized in popular culture and media, leading many to believe it should play a prominent role in everyone's life. However, he points out that this expectation is unrealistic for most individuals whose lives are consumed by practical concerns like work and everyday responsibilities. By drawing an analogy between grand passions and grand operas, Zangwill emphasizes the exceptional nature of such intense experiences compared to the mundane realities of daily existence.
Israel Zangwill was a renowned British playwright and novelist known for his wit and social commentary. Born in London’s East End, he wrote prolifically about Jewish life and assimilation into broader society. His work often reflected on the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations, making him a significant voice in early 20th-century literature.
