“It was the thumbprints of human imperfection that used to move him, the flaws in the design: the lopsided smile, the wart next to the navel, the mole, the bruise. Was it consolation he’d had in mind, kissing the wound to make it better?”
Analysis of Quote from Margaret Atwood
In this quote from Margaret Atwood, the speaker reflects on the imperfections of the human body that used to fascinate and move them. The use of tactile imagery, such as thumbprints and kissing wounds, evokes a sense of intimacy and connection to these imperfections. Through the speaker's contemplation on the flaws in human design, Atwood prompts readers to consider the complexity and beauty found in imperfection. The act of seeking consolation in imperfections highlights the speaker's deep empathy and understanding of the human condition.
Finding Beauty in Imperfection
In this quote by Margaret Atwood, the idea of finding beauty in imperfection is explored through the description of physical flaws. Despite our human imperfections, there is a certain comfort in embracing our flaws and imperfections. This concept holds modern relevance as society often puts pressure on individuals to strive for perfection in all aspects of their lives. Embracing imperfections can lead to self-acceptance and a greater appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual.
Margaret Atwood's Reflection on Human Imperfection
"It was the thumbprints of human imperfection that used to move him, the flaws in the design: the lopsided smile, the wart next to the navel, the mole, the bruise. Was it consolation he’d had in mind, kissing the wound to make it better?" - Margaret Atwood
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on this quote by Margaret Atwood, we are led to ponder on the complexities of human imperfection and the ways in which we try to find solace or consolation in them. Here are some questions to consider:
- How do you perceive imperfections in oneself and in others? Do you see them as flaws or unique characteristics that make a person distinct?
- In what ways do you typically respond to imperfections, whether physical or emotional, in yourself or in others? Do you try to fix or hide them, or do you embrace and accept them?
- Have you ever found comfort or solace in imperfections, either your own or others'? How do imperfections contribute to our understanding of humanity and empathy towards others?
- Reflecting on the idea of "kissing the wound to make it better," what actions or attitudes do you believe can help heal the wounds caused by imperfections, both internally and externally?
- How can we cultivate a sense of acceptance and appreciation for imperfections in ourselves and in others, recognizing them as part of what makes us human?
Similar quotes
“Every time the women appear, Snowman is astonished all over again. They're every known colour from the deepest black to whitest white, they're various heights, but each one of them is admirably proportioned. Each is sound of tooth, smooth of skin. No ripples of fat around their waists, no bulges, no dimpled orange-skin cellulite on their thighs. No body hair, no bushiness. They look like retouched fashion photos, or ads for a high priced workout program.Maybe this is the reason that these women arouse in Snowman not even the faintest stirrings of lust. It was the thumbprints of human imperfection that used to move him, the flaws in the design: the lopsided smile, the wart next to the navel, the mole, the bruise. These were the places he'd single out, putting his mouth on them. Was it consolation he'd had in mind, kissing the wound to make it better? There was always an element of melancholy involved in sex. After his indiscriminate adolescence he'd preferred sad women, delicate and breakable, women who'd been messed up and who needed him. He'd liked to comfort them, stroke them gently at first, reassure them. Make them happier, if only for a moment. Himself too, of course; that was the payoff. A grateful woman would go the extra mile. But these new women are neither lopsided nor sad: they're placid, like animated statues. They leave him chilled.”
“There is no better people-watching than at the airport: the whole world packed into such a tight space, moving fast with all their essentials in their rolling bags. And what caught my attention, as I took a few breaths and lay my eyes on the crowds, were all the imperfections. Everybody had them. Every single person that walked past me had some kind of flaw. Bushy eyebrows, moles, flared nostrils, crooked teeth, crows'-feet, hunched backs, dowagers' humps, double chins, floppy earlobes, nose hairs, potbellies, scars, nicotine stains, upper arm fat, trick knees, saddlebags, collapsed arches, bruises, warts, puffy eyes, pimples. Nobody was perfect. Not even close. And everybody had wrinkles from smiling and squinting and craning their necks. Everybody had marks on their bodies from years of living - a trail of life left on them, evidence of all the adventures and sleepless nights and practical jokes and heartbreaks that had made them who they were.In that moment, I suddenly loved us all the more for our flaws, for being broken and human, for being embarrassed and lonely, for being hopeful or tired or disappointed or sick or brave or angry. For being who we were, for making the world interesting. It was a good reminder that the human condition is imperfection. And that's how it's supposed to be.”
“You make me want to suck a bruise on you just to kiss it better.--Luc to Jane--”
“Perfection is a flaw,for it isn't the perfection that defines us; but the imperfections that make us, us, and it is the imperfections that we fall in love with.”
“He’s dozed off again, but I kiss him awake, which seems to startle him. Then he smiles as if he’d be happy to lie there gazing at me forever.”