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Do you know what a pearl is and what an opal is? My soul when you came sauntering to me first through those sweet summer evenings was beautiful but with the pale passionless beauty of a pearl. Your love has passed through me and now I feel my mind something like an opal, that is, full of strange uncertain hues and colours, of warm lights and quick shadows and of broken music.
by James Joyce
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In this excerpt, the speaker reflects on the transformation that love has brought to their soul. Initially, they describe their essence as resembling a pearl, which symbolizes a kind of pure but emotionless beauty. This indicates a period of tranquility and simplicity in their inner life, devoid of vibrant feelings.

However, upon experiencing love, their soul shifts to resemble an opal, characterized by its colorful and dynamic nature. This metaphor suggests that love has introduced complexity, depth, and a rich tapestry of emotions, bringing forth a blend of warmth and shadows, akin to the multifaceted beauty of an opal. It illustrates the profound impact of love on the speaker's identity and experience.

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Selected Letters of James Joyce
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