“While he writes, I feel as if he is drawing me; or not drawing me, drawing on me - drawing on my skin - not with the pencil he is using, but with an old-fashioned goose pen, and not with the quill end but with the feather end. As if hundreds of butterflies have settled all over my face, and are softly opening and closing their wings.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote from Margaret Atwood
In this quote from Margaret Atwood, the speaker describes the experience of being written about by someone else in a way that feels intimate and almost physical. The imagery of being drawn on with a feather pen like a piece of parchment creates a sense of vulnerability and sensuality. The comparison to butterflies softly opening and closing their wings on the speaker's face brings a feeling of lightness and delicacy to the moment. Overall, Atwood's words evoke a powerful sense of connection and intimacy between the writer and the subject.
The Power of Words
In Margaret Atwood's powerful quote, she beautifully captures the intimate connection between a writer and their reader. The act of writing becomes a form of artistry, where the writer is not just creating words on a page, but is intricately weaving a story that touches the reader on a deeply personal level. This quote continues to hold modern relevance as it speaks to the timeless and universal impact of literature and storytelling. Just like Atwood's description of feeling drawn on by the writer's words, readers today still experience the transformative power of storytelling that leaves a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.
Example of Usage
Margaret Atwood beautifully captures the feeling of being entranced by someone's writing in this quote. The imagery of being drawn on like a canvas with delicate butterfly wings creates a vivid and mesmerizing picture in the reader's mind.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on Margaret Atwood's poetic description of the writer's impact on the reader, consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret the idea of being drawn on by a writer's words? In what ways do you feel the presence of a writer in your reading experience?
- Have you ever felt physically affected by a piece of writing, as Atwood describes feeling like butterflies are fluttering on her face? How does this physical reaction enhance or detract from your reading experience?
- In what ways do you think the act of writing can be seen as a form of intimate connection between the writer and the reader, as Atwood suggests with the image of drawing on someone's skin? What implications does this have for the power dynamic between writer and reader?
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