“Pedro of Portugal's rapt and bizarre declaration of love, in 1356, for the embalmed corpse of his murdered wife, Inez de Castro, who swayed beside him on his travels, leather-brown and skeletal, crowned with lace and gold circlet, hung about with chains of diamonds and pearls, her bone-fingers fantastically ringed.”
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Quote Analysis
In this quote from A. S. Byatt, the author describes a haunting and eerie scene involving Pedro of Portugal and his deceased wife, Inez de Castro. The vivid imagery of Inez's preserved corpse, adorned with lavish jewels and accessories, creates a sense of macabre beauty. Byatt's description of Pedro's display of love towards his murdered wife's embalmed body showcases a dark and twisted form of affection. The juxtaposition of death and opulence in this quote exemplifies the complexities of human relationships and emotions.
Modern Relevance: Pedro of Portugal's Obsession with the Past
In A. S. Byatt's description of Pedro of Portugal's bizarre declaration of love for his murdered wife's embalmed corpse, there is a reminder of how individuals can become fixated on the past, even to the point of obsession. In today's society, with the rise of social media and the constant digital reminders of our past actions and relationships, it is important to remember to live in the present and not allow ourselves to become consumed by what once was.
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