Provocative Quote by E. Annie Proulx
““What do you think,' she said. Her voice was rapid. 'You want to marry me, don't you? Don't you think you want to marry me?' Waited for the wisecrack. As she spoke she changed in some provocative way, seemed suddenly drenched in eroticism as a diver rising out of a pool gleams like chrome with a sheet of unbroken water for a fractional second.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Virgin Suicides” by E. Annie Proulx, 1993
A character’s frantic questioning reveals deep desire and vulnerability, mixing humor with erotic tension.
In simple terms: She anxiously asks about marriage, exposing longing and sexual energy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how humor can mask intense feelings.
Themes
desire
vulnerability
humor
eroticism
Mood
tense
playful
seductive
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- dating
- confession
- intimate conversation
Key Concepts
psychology
gender dynamics
narrative tension
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the rapid speech reveal about her inner conflict?
- How does the erotic imagery affect the tone?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay the seriousness of the emotional stakes.
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