Skip to content

Ecology Quote by William S. Burroughs

“The ears were large, flaring forward, the eyes limpid amber, in which the pupil floated like a glittering jewel, changing color with shifts of the light: obsidian, emerald, ruby, opal, amethyst, diamond.” quote by William S. Burroughs
Download Open image
““The ears were large, flaring forward, the eyes limpid amber, in which the pupil floated like a glittering jewel, changing color with shifts of the light:  obsidian, emerald, ruby, opal, amethyst, diamond.””

William S. Burroughs

About This Quote

Source Novel: Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs, 1959

The description emphasizes vivid, ever‑changing eyes that reflect many colors, suggesting a mysterious, multifaceted perception.

In simple terms: Eyes appear as shifting jewels of many colors.

Key Takeaway

Notice how perception can change with light.

Themes

perception detail imagery identity transformation

Mood

enigmatic poetic

Type

descriptive literary

When to use this quote

  • character description
  • visual storytelling
  • creative writing
  • film noir lighting

Key Concepts

symbolism color theory psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does changing light alter what we see?
  • What does the eye’s color say about inner truth?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may over‑romanticize physical traits, risking superficial focus.

3.5 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by William S. Burroughs

Explore all 484 William S. Burroughs quotes

More Ecology quotes

Browse all 432 Ecology quotes