This is so heartbreaking. She has become so jaded, so callous and withdrawn that she can’t even see that this man doesn’t even want anything. He is trying to give not take. But because of who she’s become she just doesn’t recognize it, doesn’t see it. She’s been hurt and violated so many times it is all she has come to expect. Therefore when kindness and gentleness is offered to her, not knowing what it is, she rebuffs it. She doesn’t even know such things even exist.
I saw the original Broadway touring show of this in 1969 and this music still thrills me.
This is so heartbreaking. She has become so jaded, so callous and withdrawn that she can’t even see that this man doesn’t even want anything. He is trying to give not take. But because of who she’s become she just doesn’t recognize it, doesn’t see it. She’s been hurt and violated so many times it is all she has come to expect. Therefore when kindness and gentleness is offered to her, not knowing what it is, she rebuffs it. She doesn’t even know such things even exist.
But Quixote’s death made her understand his kindness was genuine and without agenda.