Skip to content

Scent Quote by Margaret Atwood

“But in the closeness of the sewing room, Simon can smell her as well as look at her. He tries to pay no attention but her scent is a distracting undercurrent. She smells like smoke; smoke, and laundry soap, and the salt from her skin; and she smells of the skin itself, with its undertone of…” quote by Margaret Atwood
Download Open image
““But in the closeness of the sewing room, Simon can smell her as well as look at her. He tries to pay no attention but her scent is a distracting undercurrent. She smells like smoke; smoke, and laundry soap, and the salt from her skin; and she smells of the skin itself, with its undertone of dampness, fullness, ripeness - what? Ferns and mushrooms; fruits crushed and fermenting.””

Margaret Atwood

About This Quote

Source Novel: Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, 2003

Sensory details evoke intimacy and desire, showing how smell can trigger deep emotional and physical responses.

In simple terms: Smell can create strong connections and desire.

Key Takeaway

Notice how senses influence feelings.

Themes

sensory perception desire intimacy memory

Mood

evocative intimate

Type

literary descriptive

When to use this quote

  • romantic encounters
  • memory recall
  • artistic description

Key Concepts

olfactory triggers emotional response human connection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do scents affect your emotions?
  • What role does sensory detail play in storytelling?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on sensory detail may obscure broader context.

2.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Margaret Atwood

Explore all 2,072 Margaret Atwood quotes

More Scent quotes

Browse all 726 Scent quotes