Gaze Quote by Truman Capote
““You cold or something?' he said. She strained against him; she wanted to pass clear through him: 'It's a chill, it's nothing'; and then, pushing a little away: 'Say you love me.' I said it.' No, oh no. You haven't. I was listening. And you never do.' Well, give me time.' Please.' He sat up and glanced at a clock across the room. It was after five. Then decisively he pulled off his windbreaker and began to unlace his shoes. Aren't you going to, Clyde?' He grinned back at her. 'Yeah, I'm going to.' I don't mean that; and what's more, I don't like it: you sound as though you were talking to a whore.' Come off it, honey. You didn't drag me up here to tell you about love.' You disgust me,' she said. Listen to her! She's sore!' A silence followed that circulated like an aggrieved bird. Clyde said, 'You want to hit me, huh? I kind of like you when you're sore: that's the kind of girl you are,' which made Grady light in his arms when he lifted and kissed her. 'You still want me to say it?' Her head slumped on his shoulder. 'Because I will,' he said, fooling his fingers in her hair. 'Take off your clothes--and I'll tell it to you good.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Other Voices, Other Rooms by Truman Capote, 1948
A tense, intimate exchange reveals longing, vulnerability, and power dynamics in a fraught relationship.
In simple terms: Two people grapple with desire and emotional games.
Recognize and communicate genuine feelings.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- relationship counseling
- personal boundaries
- expressing love
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does each character truly want?
- How can honest communication change the dynamic?
The dialogue masks deeper insecurities and may perpetuate unhealthy patterns.