“There is no moment that exceeds in beauty that moment when one looks at a woman and finds that she is looking at you in the same way that you are looking at her. The moment in which she bestows that look that says, "Proceed with your evil plan, sumbitch.”
In this quote, Donald Barthelme describes a moment of mutual desire and understanding between a man and a woman. The use of humor in the phrase "Proceed with your evil plan, sumbitch" suggests a playful and flirtatious dynamic between the two individuals. This quote highlights the power of nonverbal communication and mutual attraction in human relationships.
In today's society, where consent and agency are highly valued in relationships, the quote by Donald Barthelme takes on a new meaning. The idea of mutual desire and unspoken communication between individuals can be seen as a reflection of the importance of clear and enthusiastic consent. The concept of both parties being on the same page in terms of their feelings and intentions can be viewed as a positive and empowering aspect of modern relationships. It highlights the significance of reciprocity and communication in fostering healthy and respectful connections between people.
Donald Barthelme captures the exhilarating moment of mutual attraction in this witty quote. This instance showcases the shared understanding and unspoken communication between two people who are drawn to each other.
When reading this quote by Donald Barthelme, consider the following questions to reflect on the complexities of human connection and communication: 1. What emotions or intentions do you think are conveyed through the described look between two people? 2. How does the idea of reciprocity in communication play a role in building relationships? 3. In what ways can nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions, deepen understanding between individuals? 4. Have you ever experienced a moment where a shared look or understanding with someone else transcended words? What was that experience like for you? 5. How do power dynamics and mutual consent come into play when interpreting and receiving looks or signals from others?
“On the other hand I myself have impulses toward violence uneasily concealed. Especially when I look out of the window at the men and women, walking along in the course of a day because I spend so much time, as we all do, looking out of windows to determine what is out there, and what should be done about it.”
“But have you noticed the slight curl at the end of Sam II's mouth, when he looks at you? It means that he didn't want you to name him Sam II, for one thing, and for two other things it means that he has a sawed-off in his left pants leg, and a baling hook in his right pants leg, and is ready to kill you with either of them, given the opportunity. The father is taken aback. What he usually says, in such a confrontation, is "I changed your diapers for you, little snot." This is not the right thing to say. First, it is not true (mothers change nine diapers out of ten), and second it reminds Sam II of what he is mad about. He is mad about being small when you were big, but no, that's not it, he is mad about being helpless when you were powerful, but no, not that either, he is mad about being contingent when you were necessary, not quite it, he is insane because when he loved you, you didn't notice.”
“Goals incapable of attainment have driven many a man to despair, but despair is easier to get to than that -- one need merely look out of the window, for example.”
“The President looked out of his window. He was not very happy. “I worry about Bill, Hubert, Henry, Kevin, Edward, Clem, Dan and their lover, Snow White. I sense that all is not well with them. Now, looking out over this green lawn, and these fine rosebushes, and into the night and the yellow buildings, and the falling Dow Jones Index and the screams of the poor, I am concerned. I have many important things to worry about, but I worry about Bill and the boys too. Because I am the President. Finally. the President of the whole fucking country. And they are Americans, Bill, Hubert, Henry, Kevin, Edward, Clem, Dan and Snow White. They are Americans. My Americans.”
“I met you under the balloon, on the occasion of your return from Norway; you asked if it was mine; I said it was. The balloon, I said, is a spontaneous autobiographical disclosure, having to do with the unease I felt at your absence, and with sexual deprivation, but now that your visit to Bergen has been terminated, it is no longer necessary or appropriate. Removal of the balloon was easy; trailer trucks carried away the depleted fabric, which is now stored in West Virginia, awaiting some other time of unhappiness, some time, perhaps, when we are angry with one another.”
“—What do the children say?—There's a thing the children say.—What do the children say?—They say: Will you always love me?—Always.—Will you always remember me?—Always.—Will you remember me a year from now?—Yes, I will.—Will you remember me two years from now?—Yes, I will.—Will you remember me five years from now?—Yes, I will.—Knock knock.—Who's there?—You see?("Great Days," Forty Stories)”