"A lover may be a shadowy creature, but husbands are made of flesh and blood"

Amy Levy's quote, "A lover might be a shadowy creature, however husbands are made from flesh and blood", offers a nuanced perspective on the nature of romantic relationships. At its core, the statement contrasts the ephemeral, frequently idealized concept of a fan with the tangible, indisputable truth of an other half.

A "shadowy animal" implies something evasive, strange, and possibly not totally real. Fans, in this context, can be seen as embodiments of romance and idealization-- existing in the world of dreams and desires. They are typically viewed through the lens of enthusiasm and dream, where flaws are blurred, and the focus is on enchantment and attraction. This concept recommends that when in the throes of infatuation, one tends to neglect the gritty reality, instead viewing the lover as an ideal being or an ideal partner. In this sense, the fan is a heavenly entity, untethered from the mundane challenges and usefulness that identify long-term commitments.

On the other hand, "hubbies" represent a grounded, reasonable engagement with another human being. Made from "flesh and blood", they signify the approval of a partner in their whole, including their virtues and flaws. This part of the quote acknowledges that a marital relationship-- or any long-term collaboration-- needs facing and welcoming the useful, sometimes prosaic elements of life together. It is about experiencing and dealing with the everyday realities, obligations, and compromises that come with living alongside another individual. Flesh and blood signify authenticity and reliability, recommending a deeper connection based upon truth rather than impression.

Levy's distinction may likewise be viewed as showing societal expectations of her time, where marital relationship was typically less about idealized romance and more about friendship, responsibility, and shared life experiences. Eventually, the quote encapsulates the transition from the dreamlike quality of early romance to the authentic, sometimes tough, but ultimately gratifying experience of a dedicated partnership.