Adriana loved even the rank animal smell of the man's body, her sweat-slicked breasts and belly flattened beneath him, and her arms and legs clutching him as a drowning woman might clutch another person to save her life. Don't don't don't don't leave me. DON'T LEAVE ME. As in animal copulation the frenzy is to be locked together not out of sentiment or choice but physical compulsion. As if bolts of electric current ran through both their bodies and would only release them from each other when it ceased.
In this passage from Joyce Carol Oates' "Faithless," the intense physical connection between Adriana and the man is depicted with raw emotion and a sense of desperation. Adriana's overwhelming feelings are expressed through her visceral attachment to him, reminiscent of a life-or-death situation. The imagery emphasizes the primal nature of their interaction, where the boundaries of love and instinct blur, drawing parallels between human desire and animalistic behavior.
The repetition of "don't leave me" underscores Adriana's fear of abandonment amidst this fervent union. This scene illustrates how their bond transcends emotional depth, reducing their experience to a powerful physical necessity. Oates captures the complex interplay of desire, passion, and an urgent need for connection, showcasing how love can sometimes feel driven by instinct rather than emotion, highlighting the raw and compelling forces at play in their relationship.
