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Picking Nose Quote by Sylvia Plath

“Do you realize the illicit sensuous delight I get from picking my nose? I always have, ever since I was a child. There are so many subtle variations of sensation. A delicate, pointed-nailed fifth finger can catch under dry scabs and flakes of mucous in the nostril and draw them out to be looked…” quote by Sylvia Plath
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““Do you realize the illicit sensuous delight I get from picking my nose? I always have, ever since I was a child. There are so many subtle variations of sensation. A delicate, pointed-nailed fifth finger can catch under dry scabs and flakes of mucous in the nostril and draw them out to be looked at, crumbled between fingers, and flicked to the floor in minute crusts. Or a heavier, determined forefinger can reach up and smear down-and-out the soft, resilient, elastic greenish-yellow smallish blobs of mucous, roll them round and jellylike between thumb and forefinger, and spread them on the undersurface of a desk or chair where they will harden into organic crusts. How many desks and chairs have I thus secretively befouled since childhood? Or sometimes there will be blood mingled with the mucous: in dry brown scabs, or bright sudden wet red on the finger that scraped too rudely the nasal membranes. God, what sexual satisfaction!””

Sylvia Plath

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Sensuality of Nose Picking, 1965

The writer describes nose picking as a complex, sensory experience that provides unusual pleasure, highlighting a taboo habit with vivid detail.

In simple terms: Nose picking can be oddly pleasurable.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden habits and their meanings.

Themes

taboo sensory habit

Mood

confessional analytical

Type

personal psychological

When to use this quote

  • personal introspection
  • psychotherapy
  • social norms

Key Concepts

psychology of compulsion bodily autonomy

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we find some private acts repulsive?
  • How do we reconcile pleasure with social stigma?
A Different Perspective

Such habits can be socially unacceptable.

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