Cold Mountain Love Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

He did not know what to say, so he said what his dream in the gypsy camp had told him. I've been coming to you on a hard road and I'm not letting you go. (17.50)

Is Inman's love for Ada deeper because the road has been so hard?

Quote #8

But something in him would not let him step forward to embrace her. It was not only the shotgun keeping him back. Dying was not the point. He could not step forward. He held out his empty hands palms up at his sides.

Ada still did not know him. (17.51-52)

What's holding Inman back here? Does he need Ada to recognize him before he can embrace her? If so, why?

Quote #9

—I do not know you, [Ada] said.

Inman heard the words and they seemed just. Entirely warranted, and in some way expected. He thought, Four years gone warring, but back now on home ground and I'm no better than a rank stranger here. A wandering pilgrim in my own place. Such is the price I'll pay for the past four years. Firearms standing between me and everything I want. (17.53-54)

When Ada doesn't recognize him, Inman feels like he's not at home ("a wandering pilgrim in my own place"). What does that say about how much he needs her love?