“She reached out and touched the king’s face, cupping his cheek in her hand.“Just a nightmare,” he said, his voice still rough.The queen’s voice was cool. “How embarrassing,” she said, looking at his maimed arm.The king looked up then, and followed her gaze. If it was embarrassing to wake like a child screaming from a nightmare, how much more embarrassing to be the reason your husband woke screaming. A quick smile visited the king’s face. “Ouch,” he said, referring to more than the pain in his side. “Ouch,” he said again as the queen gathered him into her arms.”
Quote Analysis:
In this passage from Megan Whalen Turner's work, the interaction between the king and queen reveals a complex mix of vulnerability, empathy, and support. Despite the king's physical pain and emotional turmoil, the queen remains composed and offers comfort in a moment of embarrassment and distress. The king's realization of his own role in causing his nightmares adds another layer of complexity to their relationship, showcasing the depth of their emotional connection. The physical gesture of the queen cupping the king's cheek and embracing him conveys a sense of intimacy and solidarity between the two characters.
Modern Relevance
In this excerpt from Megan Whalen Turner's work, we see the vulnerability and tenderness between a king and queen as they comfort each other after a nightmare. The scene captures a moment of raw emotion and intimacy, highlighting the importance of support and understanding in relationships, even in times of struggle. This theme of compassion and companionship remains relevant in modern relationships, showcasing the power of empathy and love in overcoming difficulties together.
Example of Usage
In this passage from Megan Whalen Turner's book, the queen shows her care and concern for the king as he wakes up from a nightmare. The interaction between the king and queen showcases their intimacy and the deep connection they share.
Reflection Questions:
Upon reading this excerpt from Megan Whalen Turner's work, take a moment to reflect on the dynamics between the characters and the emotions they are experiencing. Consider the following questions:
- How do the actions and dialogue of the king and queen reveal their relationship with each other?
- What do the reactions of the king and queen indicate about their individual strengths and vulnerabilities?
- How does the vulnerability displayed by both characters contribute to the depth of their connection?
- In what ways do the physical and emotional scars of the characters contribute to the overall tone of the scene?
- How does this scene highlight themes of intimacy, support, and understanding within a relationship?
Similar quotes
“There must have been something in her voice, because he turned to look at her. Her hand cracked across his face, a slap that rocked him back on his heels. He put his hand to his cheek, more in surprise than pain. "What the hell was that for?""The other ten percent,” she said.”
“Listen, you. Don't threaten me. I could make your life a nightmare. He put his hand in front of her face and unfolded three fingers as he said, I'm F-B-I. She smiled. It wasn't the reaction he expected. You want to talk nightmares? she said. She put her hand up to his face and unfolded her three fingers. I'm I-R-S.”
“He limped slowly over to his own wooden sword and stooped awkwardly to pick it up. Trailing it on the ground behind him, he limped toward the queen, and the courtyard quieted as he approached and was silent again as he dropped to his knees before her and laid the sword across her lap.“My Queen,” he said.“My King,” she said back.Only those closest saw him nod his rueful acceptance. He lifted his hand to brush her cheek softly. As the entire court listened breathlessly, he said, “I want my breakfast.”The queen’s lips thinned, and she shook her head as she said, “You are incorrigible.”
“He caught up with her outside her doorway, when she almost gave up. He said nothing, simply pulled her into his arms, against his strong, hard body, and his hand slid beneath her hair, tilting her face up to his. “No more running away?” His voice was rough.His eyes glittered down into hers, and if she wanted tenderness it wasn’t there. Simply a dark, naked heat sparking between them.“No more running away,” she said.”
“Seeing him like this, dressed just for her in so patent a manner, she could not hold back the fiery blush that rose to her face. She was embarrassed when she greeted him, and he was more embarrassed by her embarrassment. The knowledge that they were behaving as if they were sweethearts was even more embarrassing, and the knowledge that they were both embarrassed embarrassed them so much that Captain Samaritano noticed it with a tremor of compassion.”