Morning light Quote by A. S. Byatt
““When the morning light came into the room it found them curled together in a nest of red and white sheets. It revealed also marks, all over the pale cool skin: handprints around the narrow waist, sliding impressions from delicate strokes, like weals, raised rosy discs where his lips had rested lightly. He cried out, when he saw her, that he had hurt her. No, she said, she was part icewoman, it was her nature, she had an icewoman's skin that responded to every touch by blossoming red. Sasan still stared, and repeated, I have hurt you. No, no, said Fiammarosa, they are the marks of pleasure, pure pleasure. I shall cover them up, for only we ourselves should see our happiness. But inside her a little melted pool of water slopped and swayed where she had been solid and shining.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Virgin in the Garden” by A. S. Byatt, 1990
Intimate physical connection reveals both pain and pleasure, highlighting the paradox of vulnerability and desire.
In simple terms: Touch can cause both hurt and joy.
Key Takeaway
Accept that intimacy brings complex emotions.
Themes
intimacy
pain
pleasure
identity
Mood
melancholic
intense
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- therapeutic touch
- artistic expression
- self‑acceptance
Key Concepts
human connection
sensory experience
emotional paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile pain with pleasure in close bonds?
- What does “covering up happiness” suggest about privacy?
A Different Perspective
Intimacy may expose deep insecurities.
![“Unless we're very intentional about meditating on these truths [that show God's love], they slip from our thoughts like misty dreams that evaporate in the morning light. That's why Luther said we must take heed then, to embrace...the love and kindness of God...[and to] daily excercise [our] faith…” quote by Elyse Fitzpatrick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/025/elyse-fitzpatrick-19135_doubt_unless-we-re-very-intentional-about-medi_259795.jpg)
