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The lifeless sea was ruffled here and there by a lost…

“The lifeless sea was ruffled here and there by a lost zephyr, by a stippling shoal of sardines, dark ash-blue lines that snaked, broad then narrow, in slow motion across the shimmering mirageous surface, as if the water was breeding corruption.” quote by John Fowles
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““The lifeless sea was ruffled here and there by a lost zephyr, by a stippling shoal of sardines, dark ash-blue lines that snaked, broad then narrow, in slow motion across the shimmering mirageous surface, as if the water was breeding corruption.””

John Fowles

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He paints a vivid, corrupt sea scene using rich, metaphorical language.

In simple terms: The sea appears tainted and unsettling.

Key Takeaway

Notice how environment reflects inner turmoil.

Themes

literature imagery nature

Mood

poetic descriptive

Type

literary artistic

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • environmental critique
  • psychology

Key Concepts

corruption symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions does the sea evoke?
  • How does the description affect mood?
A Different Perspective

Potentially obscure for some readers.

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