Source: This quote is from Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess of the D'Urbervilles."
Context: In the novel, Tess Durbeyfield says this to Angel Clare when she's feeling very vulnerable. Tess has been through a lot, and she's opened up to Angel about her past. She's worried he'll judge her for the mistakes she's made. So, she asks him to treat her as equals, not to look down on her. She wants him to see her as a person who's been through a lot of pain and struggles, just like anyone else.
Explanation: Tess's words show how hard she is on herself and how much she longs for Angel's understanding. She doesn't want him to act all superior or think he's better than her because of her past. When Tess says "saint to sinner," she's showing how she feels like there's a big difference between them because of her past. She just wants Angel to talk to her like they're both regular people, without any judgment. Tess is asking for Angel's compassion and understanding, showing how deeply she's hurting inside.
This moment in the book highlights themes of forgiveness and empathy. Tess is struggling with her past and how people see her. She wants Angel to see beyond her mistakes and treat her with kindness. It's a powerful reminder of how complicated relationships can be, especially when it comes to understanding each other's pain and flaws.