Still, we permit the appearance of our meats, sauces…
““Still, we permit the appearance of our meats, sauces, fruits, and vdgetables to dominate our tongues until it is difficult to divide a twist of lemon or squeeze of lime from the colors of their rinds or separate yellow from its yolk or chocolate from the quenchless brown which seems to be the root, shoot, stalk, and bloom of it. Yet I hardly think the eggplant's taste is as purple as its skin. In fact, there are few flavors at the violet end, odors either, for the acrid smell of blue smoke is deceiving, as is the tooth of the plum, though there may be just a hint of blue in the higher sauces. Perceptions are always profound, associations deceiving. No watermelon tastes red. Apropos: while waiting for a bus once, I saw open down the arm of a midfat, midlife, freckled woman, suitcase tugging at her hand like a small boy needing to pee, a deep blue crack as wide as any in a Roquefort. Split like paper tearing. She said nothing. Stood. Blue bubbled up in the opening like tar. One thing is certain: a cool flute blue tastes like deep well water drunk from a cup.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Our senses and language distort reality, mixing color, taste, and perception into confusing associations that mask true experience.
In simple terms: Our senses can mislead us about flavor and color.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about sensory descriptions.
Themes
perception
language
reality
sensory illusion
artistic expression
Mood
conflicted
curious
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
descriptive
When to use this quote
- dining experiences
- art criticism
- creative writing
- everyday observations
Key Concepts
phenomenology
semiotics
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do colors influence your taste expectations?
- Can language fully capture sensory experience?
A Different Perspective
Sensory metaphors may obscure factual qualities.