The Bloody Chamber

‘‘he almost failed to resist’’

…

‘‘I forced myself to be seductive’’

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‘‘lovely blind humanity’’

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‘‘her cunt a split fig’’

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‘‘eagle-featured indomitable mother’’

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a dozen husbands impaled a dozen brides’’

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‘‘forced always to mimic surprise…disappointed’’

‘‘ceased to be her child in becoming his wife’’

‘‘bloody bandage of rubies’’

‘‘extraordinarily precious slit throat’’

‘‘her cunt a split fig’’

figs are associated with fertility & female genitalia

‘‘laid his hand imperatively upon my breast’’

‘‘all the better to see you’’

‘‘lovely blind humanity’’

‘‘my little nun has found the prayerbooks’’

‘‘I only did what he knew I would…like Eve’’

second part said by blind piano tuner

‘‘leaves off an artichoke’’

‘‘bare as a lamb chop’’

‘‘white tied with a silk string under the breasts’’

‘‘stark torture chamber’’