The Romantic Depiction Of Louise's Body

Towards the end of the novel, the narrator uses anatomical precision to describe every aspect of Louise’s body. It can arguably be seen as a romantic approach to describing the body of a loved one. However, it greatly varies from the romantic description of the body that most people are used to. The narrator goes inside of Louise’s body to discuss the relationship between her body and the concept of romance and desire. The narrator’s depiction of Louise’s body is divided up by location, starting off with the cells, tissues, systems and cavities of the body. “Will you let me crawl inside you, stand guard over you, trap them as they come at you? Why cant I dam their blind tide that filthies your blood?” (Winterson 115) This can be seen as romantic because the narrator is analyzing Louise’s body and brainstorming ways to prevent the cancer and infections from spreading and causing additional damage. However, that paints an image inside …show more content…
“If I’m not careful you’ll cut me. If I slip my hand too casually down the sharp side of your scapula I will lift away a bleeding palm. I know the stigmata of presumption. The wound that will not heal if I take you for granted” (131). The narrator is so focused on Louise’s body and analyzing it down to its core that he or she is unaware of the pain it can cause for them. The narrator describes a wound that won’t heal if he or she takes Louise for granted which shows how precise and wise they are. Not only is the narrator discussing all of the various aspects of Louise’s body that he or she finds desirable, but also establishing their knowledge on the cons of getting caught up in a love affair. Having tunnel vision and being so focused on the one you love can be quite dangerous, and it is relieving that the narrator addresses he or she is aware of