This quote profoundly captures the complexity of conflicting emotions experienced by the character. The dual metaphors of something "poisonous" and "infinitely sweet" mixing together in the blood exquisitely symbolize the simultaneously destructive and alluring nature of Miss Kristina’s presence. It speaks to the human condition of being torn between opposing inner forces—weakness and strength, fury and tenderness, resistance and longing. The mention of "lack of willpower" juxtaposed with "colossal tension" reveals a deep inner turmoil where instinct, emotion, and desire clash intensely.

The physical manifestations of these feelings—clenched fists and readiness to fight—highlight the externalized struggle of containing such powerful feelings. Yet paradoxically, the character’s deepest yearning is not conflict but connection; he wants "to hold and be held." This demonstrates the vulnerability and fundamental human need for affection and acceptance, even when one feels cornered by one's own contradictions.

In a broader sense, the quote touches on how attraction and emotional intensity often coexist with discomfort and confusion, particularly in romantic or passionate dynamics. It eloquently explores how desire is not always straightforward or purely positive but can be messy, confusing, and even painful. From Carsten Jensen's narrative in "We, the Drowned," this passage exemplifies his nuanced portrayal of human emotions and relationships. The quote ultimately invites readers to acknowledge and empathize with the complexity of feelings that lie beneath surface behavior, emphasizing emotional depth and authentic experience.