Her little hands, Crumb. Her little paws, like a child's. She has no guile in her. And she never speaks. And if she does I hate to bend my head to hear what she says. And in the pause I can hear my heart. Her little bits of embroidery, her scraps of silk, her halcyon sleeves, she cut out of the cloth some admirer gave her once, some poor boy struck with love for her...and yet she has never succumbed. Her little sleeves, her seed pearl necklace...she has nothing...she expects nothing...' A tear at last sneaks from Henry's eye, meanders down his cheek and vanishes into the mottled grey and ginger of his beard.
In this passage from "Bring Up the Bodies," the speaker reflects on a delicate, innocent character who is portrayed with tenderness. The use of imagery, such as her "little hands" and "little paws," emphasizes her youthfulness and purity, suggesting that she lacks deception and speaks less frequently. The speaker feels a pang of empathy for her as they contemplate her unfulfilled life, enriched with beautiful yet humble possessions like embroidered pieces and a pearl necklace. This wealth of beauty contrasts with her emotional void and expectations.
The emotional depth intensifies as the speaker acknowledges their own feelings, culminating in a tear that signifies profound sorrow. This moment captures the essence of longing and regret intertwined with admiration for the character's resilience in love. Her isolation, despite the admiration she garners, points to a tragic beauty—she possesses physical treasures but remains untouched by affection. The imagery and emotional weight create a poignant moment that lingers in the reader's mind.