Corpse Quote by Patricia Highsmith
““Just what did happen to a corpse under water for four, five years, even three? the tarpaulin or canvas would rot, perhaps more than half of it would disappear; the stones would likely have fallen out, therefore, enabling the corpse to drift more easily, even rise a little, provided any flesh was left. But wasn't rising due to bloating? Tom thought of the word maceration, the flaking off in layers of the outer skin. Then what? The nibbling of fish? Or wouldn't the current have removed pieces of flesh until nothing but bones were left? The bloated period must be long past...””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, 1955
The passage describes the decomposition of a submerged body, noting how water, rot, and marine activity break down tissues, leaving only bones over time.
In simple terms: Bodies in water decompose, leaving bones after months or years.
Key Takeaway
Consider the natural processes of decay.
Themes
death
decomposition
marine environment
Mood
eerie
clinical
inquisitive
Type
descriptive
forensic
literary
When to use this quote
- crime scene investigation
- marine archaeology
- education on decay
- writing horror scenes
Key Concepts
biology
forensic science
entropy
Questions to Reflect On
- How does environment influence decomposition?
- What ethical limits exist when describing graphic decay?
A Different Perspective
The description may overlook variations in temperature, depth, and scavenger activity that affect decay rates.
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)