# Quote — Emile Zola, Thérèse Raquin

> They have stifled me with their middle-class gentleness, and I can hardly understand how it is that there is still blood in my veins. I have lowered my eyes, and given myself a mournful, idiotic face like theirs. I have led their deathlike life.

- Author: [Emile Zola](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emile-zola.md)
- Book: [Thérèse Raquin](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emile-zola/therese-raquin.md)
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/%C3%89mile_Zola#Th%C3%A9r%C3%A8se_Raquin_(1867%3B_1868)) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Topics: [freedom](https://www.leafyquotes.com/topics/freedom.md)
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/emile-zola/therese-raquin/they-have-stifled

## More from this book

> In reality, one single thought tormented them: they were irritated at their crime, and in despair at having for ever troubled their lives.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emile-zola/therese-raquin/in-reality-one.md)

> Sometimes, forcing themselves to hope, they sought to resume the burning dreams of other days, and were quite astonished to find they had no imagination.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emile-zola/therese-raquin/sometimes-forcing-themselves.md)

> It was like a lightning flash of passion, swift and blinding in a leaden sky.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/emile-zola/therese-raquin/it-was-like.md)