“She imagines him imagining her. This is her salvation.In spirit she walks the city, traces its labyrinths, its dingy mazes: each assignation, each rendezvous, each door and stair and bed. What he said, what she said, what they did, what they did then. Even the times they argued, fought, parted, agonized, rejoined. How they’d loved to cut themselves on each other, taste their own blood. We were ruinous together, she thinks. But how else can we live, these days, except in the midst of ruin?”
Quote Analysis: Margaret Atwood's "This is her salvation"
In this quote from Margaret Atwood's work, the protagonist finds solace in the memories and fantasies of her past relationship. The protagonist dwells on the intimate moments shared with her partner, even the tumultuous ones, recognizing the intensity and passion that defined their connection. The language used in the passage conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia for a love that was chaotic yet undeniably powerful. The protagonist reflects on the idea that living in a state of ruin seems to be the only option in the modern world, where relationships are often characterized by their imperfections and complexities. Atwood's poignant exploration of love, loss, and resilience shines through in this evocative passage.
Exploring Love and Ruin in Modern Relationships
In this quote from Margaret Atwood, she delves into the complex and often destructive nature of relationships. The idea of imagining someone imagining you highlights the desire for intimacy and connection in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. The concept of living in the midst of ruin speaks to the challenges of navigating modern love and the intense emotions that come with it. Atwood's words resonate with many who have experienced the tumultuous nature of relationships in today's society.
Example of Usage
In this passage from Margaret Atwood's writing, we see how the protagonist's thoughts are consumed by memories of her relationship, reflecting on the intense and tumultuous nature of their connection. The vivid imagery and introspective tone draw the reader into the character's introspective world.
Reflection Questions
This powerful passage from Margaret Atwood's work prompts us to delve into the complexities of relationships and the ways in which we navigate them. As you reflect on these words, consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret the concept of "ruinous together" in relationships? In what ways can destructive tendencies actually strengthen connections between individuals?
- In what ways do we construct narratives about our past relationships and how does this influence our present perceptions of ourselves and others?
- How does the idea of "living in the midst of ruin" resonate with your own experiences or observations of modern-day relationships? How do individuals navigate chaos and turmoil in their personal lives?
- Reflecting on the imagery of walking through the city and tracing its labyrinths, how do you envision the complexities and intricacies of relationships unfolding in your own life?
- Consider the idea of salvation through imagination. In what ways can imagining and revisiting past relationships offer a sense of solace or clarity in our present lives?
Similar quotes
“She hoped that although he could not hear her she could somehow imprint her ordinary love upon his memory through all eternity, hoped he would rise thinking of her, we were each other, we were each other, not that it mattered much in the long run but what else mattered as much.”
“How could you love us being together?" he asked me "We are nothing alike and we are not meant for each other and we drive each other crazy, you love that? How can you love that?" So I told him "I know that we're not meant for each other, that we drive each other crazy, and that we are so different. But that's us. That's what we have; a wild nonsense. We are not good together, but together we are bad for each other. I love us together this way just like this. Because even if it's no good, it's what we have! It's us.”
“Anyhow, she thought, they are aware of each other; they live in each other; what else is love, she asked, listening to their laughter.”
“My head was level with hers as we stared at each other from opposite sides of the glass. I don't remember how it ended - if I went to bed or she did. In my memory, it doesn't end. We just stay there, looking at each other, forever.”
“He watched their faces, and he knew each meant desperately what she said because they loved each other, and deep inside surely each knew the words were false, that the true words were those unspoken.”