Portentous Quote by Lawrence Durrell
““I meant of course the whole portentous scrimmage of sex itself, the act of penetration which could lead a man to despair for the sake of a creature with two breasts and le croissant as the picturesque Levant slang has it.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Alexandria Quartet, 1957
He humorously critiques sexual desire as a chaotic, potentially despair‑inducing force.
In simple terms: Sex can be overwhelming and confusing.
Reflect on desire’s impact.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does desire shape identity?
- Can humor aid understanding?
May trivialize genuine intimacy.